UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA 
AT  LOS  ANGELES 


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The  ex  Libran. 

Tolume  I,     J^umber  !♦ 


1912 

R*  Hlfred  fowler 

Kansas  Ctty^  JMtsdOurtt 

a  8»  H» 


Copj^gbt  1912,  by  R.  Hlfrcd  fowler. 


^  Of  a  timtted  edition  of  four  hundred 
eopUs  of  Che  6x  Libran  this  copy  is  number 


"?^f^ 


r. 


■mrn^ 


™e 


Wi:  1 

U» liu \(W mrxYAWis isabeaulcoiis  |)Mys 
illir  hrvlc  sunlit  hille-tops  wIhm-oo 
(lanso  ye  rays 
piotle  rrache  nofye  values  soe  cm>oIcUu1 
soo  cjrecn 
^^^L  Wliorem  owell  ExLiorans  soc  napnie 


KA  X *»  AS    1 U  T^" 


'rcuc<-^  /^  -■''•••  '••'^"  •     /J  ^^ 


2 

V.I 


^  Xnipredstontstic  Booh-plates  ,*? 


O  make  beautiful  the  smaU  things  in  life  is  a  worthy 
endeavour  for  each  individual  -  for  we  may  easily 
comprehend  that  the  life  beautiful^  spiritually  and 
morally^  is  ever  quickened  and  sustained  by  the  en- 
vironment beautiful  /»?  t^bus  the  tiny  booh  label  which  is  to 
be  pasted  into  many  a  beloved  volume  must  not  only  indicate 
ownership  but  must  be  charming  as  welL 

IReCBeR  the  booh-plate  shall  be  a  work  of  art 
or,  as  is  occasionally  the  case,  merely  an  attempt 
at  exploiting  family  history,  depends  largely  upon 
the  individual  owner  ^  'Chcvc  appears  to  be  a 
need  for  greater  simplicity  in  design  as  a  better  expression  of 
our  ideals:  we  have  certainly  outgrown  the  ornate  rococo;  the 
escutcheon  and  crest  of  mediaeval  times  bear  no  relation  to 
our  present  day  existence,  nor  does  it  seem  appropriate  to  be- 
queath to  posterity  a  commemoration  of  all  of  our  fads  and 
fancies. 

NO  90  it  would  seem  that  the  best  designs  are 
those  expressing,  symbolically,  some  particular 
taste  of  the  owner  with  the  best  possible  decor- 
ation —  simplicity  ^  form  and  colour-mass  may 
express  quite  as  much  as  intricacy  of  line;  even  more  at  times 
by  bringing  into  play  our  own  powers  of  suggestion  ^  Che 
copper  plate  engravings  with  their  great  possibilities  for  del- 
icate miniature  are  highly  prized  -  and  with  reason  -  but  the 
more  impressionistic  qualities  of  the  other  processes,  zinc  et- 
ching and  wood-block,  requiring  a  broad  and  simple  treatment 
of  the  given  motif,  have  also  their  particular  beauties  and  fas- 
cinations. 


Mary  6.  Curran. 


^  13  ^ 


/?  Che  epc  Libran  /? 

f^  occasional  magazim  devoted  to  book-plates,  bib- 
Kopbilism,  and  art;  edited  and  published  by  R, 
HllVed  forolcr  ^  Hddress  all  business  and  edit- 
orial communications  to  the  editor,  3  6ast  Hrm- 
our  Boulevard,  Kansas  City,  Missouri,  d*  8*  H.,  /^  Bub- 
ecriptiont  $2.00  per  volume  of  four  numbers;  single  copies 
will  not  be  circulated  separately  ^  Literary  contributions 
will  be  gladly  considered  for  publication.  /^  ^  /^  ^  ^  ^  ^ 


eHLIZHCION  of  a  Dream,  best  describes  Che 
ex  Libran,  the  initial  number  of  which  is  present- 
ed herewith,  and  in  semblance  of  all  realizations  of 
dreams  it  is  far  from  the  fanciful  ideal;  but,  being 
an  expression  of  an  effort  to  better  something  -  to  mahe  that 
''something**  more  beautiful  &  desirable,  it  is  sincerely  hoped 
that  the  effort  may  prove  acceptable  and  interesting  to  every 
one  concerned  /^  It  has  frequently  been  suggested  that  'Che 
6x  Libran^s  scope  be  widened  to  include  subje6Vs  closely  allied 
with  book-plates  &  so  we  say  that  "Che  Gx  Libran  is  ''devot- 
ed to  booft-plates,  bibliophilism,  and  art**  -  subjects  in  which 
everyone  interested  in  book-plates  will  take  an  interest  ^  one 
which  should  tend  to  increase  whatever  usefulness  the  public- 
ation may  have. 

OR  sometime  coUe^Vors  specializing  in  the  book- 
plates  by  edwin  Davis  f  rench  have  felt  a  need  for 
some  sort  of  a  list  of  designs  &  plates  of  his  work- 
manship that  have  recently  come  to  light  and  with 
a  view  to  supplying  this  need  we  are  pleased  to  be  able  to  pres- 
ent such  a  list  in  this  number  ^  Since  the  composition  of  the 
list,  attention  has  been  called  to  another  point  which  might 
prove  of  some  use  to  coUe^ors 


ONf 08I0N  has  often  arisen  with  regard  to  the 
two  Biltmorta  plates^  sufficiently  listed  in  former 
records  as  far  as  general  design  is  concerned  but  be- 
ing so  similar  as  not  to  easily  permit  of  tbeir  being 
distinguishable  except  by  comparison  oif  size  ^  for  this  pur- 
pose of  comparison  the  sizes  of  the  two  plates  are  here  record- 
ed: the  smaller  plate^  i.  c*,  the  a^hial  design  upon  the  plate^ 
measures  exaftly  2  inches  in  width  and  z  it  15-32  inches  in 
height,  whereas  the  larger  design  is  2  A  19-32  inches  in  width 
and  exaftly  3  inches  in  height  ^  80  that  the  coUeftor  poss- 
essing but  one  of  the  plates  may  easily  determine  whether  he 
needs  the  larger  or  the  smaller  plate* 

HM60  Booh-8tamps  (Longmans,  Green,  ^  Co.,) 
is  the  title  of  an  interesting  addition  to  the  liter- 
ature of  boohs,  by  Cyril  Davenport  of  the  British 
Museum  ^  Che  author  treats  bis  subjeft  exhaust- 
ively, taking  full  advantage  of  his  conne£Vion  with  the  Museum 
coUe^Hons  for  examples  ^  Che  work  is  composed  of  a  fore- 
word explaining  the  use  of  cameo  book-stamps  and  the  bulk 
of  the  volume  is  devoted  to  minute  descriptions  of  various 
stamps,  each  being  illustrated  with  a  drawing  executed  by  Mr. 
Davenport  after  the  original 

OCr)XC  Book-plates  is  also  a  late  addition  to  our 
literature  of  book-plates,  being  **-certain  passages 
from  *Che  feature  of  Gothic*  by  lohn  Ruskin,  A 
certain  book-plates  (vii  originals)  by  Bertha  Gorst, 
H.  R.  6.**  ^  Che  brochure  is  uniform  in  paper  and  style  of 
type  with  Che  Cx  Libran  but  is  large  4to.,  in  size  ^  Ht  the 
last  moment  the  size  of  Che  6x  Libran  has  been  reduced  from 
the  page  size  as  originally  set  forth  in  the  initial  prospe6hjs; 
trial  pages  &  numbers  showing  an  imperative  necessity  for 
the  alteration  ^  Che  editor  will,  however,  be  pleased  to  make 
proper  adjustment  with  subscribers  displeased  with  the  change. 

/*  <5  ^ 


fi  Cbe  Booh-ptate  of  Isaac  Runt  ^ 


8HHC  BONC  Of  pBlLHOeLpBIH,  as  be  etyka 
himself  on  bis  booh-platc  t^s  m\>ertbclcss  an  exotic, 
a  native  of  Barbadoes;  **H  true  exotic**,  bis  son  calls 
bim  /^  Oecbed  out  in  a  fine  suit  of  laced  clotbes, 
**libe  one  of  Bogartb*s  little  gentlemen"  (to  again  quote  bis 
son)  be  was  sent  to  pbiladelpbia  to  scbool,  and  tbere  took  bis 
degree  of  Master  of  Hrts  at  tbe  College;  after  wbicb  be  set  up 
as  a  lawyer  and  wrote  tory  pampblets  /^  fit  married  tbe  dau- 
ghter of  Stephen  8bewell,  whose  sister  bad  marned  Benjamin 
<{lest,  tbe  painter. 

OR  bis  obnoxious  political  opinions  and  publicat- 
ions, Mf.  Bunt  was  treated  by  tbe  revolutionary 
populace  to  a  free  ride  in  a  cart  through  the  streets 
of  tbe  city,  to  tbe  cheerless  music  of  a  fife  &  drum, 
and  through  a  display  of  good-nature  under  trying  circumstan- 
ces escaped  the  additional  attention  of  tar  and  feathers  prior 
to  lodgement  in  tbe  gaol  ^  friendly  influence  unbarred  the 
prison  doors  by  stealth,  and  Mi**  Hunt  made  bis  escape  to  a 
vessel  belonging  to  father-in-law  Sbewell  then  lying  in  the  Del- 
aware, bound  for  the  Vlt&t  Indies,  whence  the  fugitive  made 
his  way  to  6ngland,  where  bis  wife  finally  joined  him  to  find 
that  be  bad  forsaken  tbe  bar  for  the  pulpit. 

BHCKeRHt  might  have  found  bis  Charles  Bon- 
e3mian  ready  drawn  to  bis  band,  in  reading  the 
sftetch  of  the  father's  life  written  by  tbe  latter*s 
more  celebrated  son,  tbe  poet  and  essayist,  -  Leigh 
Bunt. 


franft  6*  Marshall. 


^17^ 


^  amUam  Stnchland,  Hrcbiteft  fi 


r>e  modest  label  reproduced  herewith  recalls  one  of 
the  forctnost  architefts  of  his  time  and  the  first 
Hi>i(ji|rd  nati\>e  Hmerican  to  attain  eminence  in  that  prof ess- 
^^^^^  ion  ^  Some  specimens  of  his  art  may  yet  be  seen 
in  his  native  city,  and  are  a  pleasing  relief  to  the  eye  that  has 
become  accustomed  to  the  modern  shy-scraper  ^  "Che  custom 
house  in  Chestnut  Street,  Philadelphia,  recalls  to  the  classicist 
its  model,  the  Parthenon  at  Hthens,  with  its  chaste  and  dig- 
nified lines. 

CaoeNt^S  of  history  will  be  reminded  that  the 
building  was  erected  in  1 824  for  the  Bank  of  the 
dnited  States,  and  conjure  up  visions  of  Hndrew 
Jacftson  and  JHicholas  Biddle  /^  Other  landmarks 
of  the  Quaker  City  that  are  monuments  to  the  designer  are 
the  old  Merchants  Bxchange,  now  used  as  the  Stock  exchange; 
the  episcopal  Church  of  Saint  Stephen;  and  the  Naval  Hsylum. 

CRN  in  1787,  Strickland  studied  under  the  disting- 
uished Benjamin  I>.  Latrobe,  the  first  engineer  and 
archite6t  of  prominence  in  the  dnited  States;  but 
before  beginning  the  career  that  brought  him  last- 
ing fame,  essayed  as  a  painter  and  engraver  in  aquatint,  in 
which  latter  art  a  specimen  of  his  work  may  be  seen  in  his 
book-plate  ^^  ^hen  railroads  were  first  introduced  in  Great 
Britain,  Strickland  went  to  6urope  at  the  instance  of  a  pro- 
gressive society  of  philadelphians  to  study  them,  and  return- 
ing took  high  rank  as  an  engineer  and  built  the  Oebware  break- 
water for  the  national  government. 

IS  last  work  was  as  an  architeft,  superintending 
the  ereftion  of  the  state-house  at  ff ashville,  "Cerni- 
essee,  which  he  had  designed,  and  there  he  died,  7 
Hpril,  1 854  ^  Vhcvt,  in  a  crypt  of  the  edifice  which 


^  19  ^ 


Ms  genius  created ,  his  mortal  remains  v^ere  placed »  the  legis- 
lature of  the  state  having,  by  special  enactment,  provided  that 
honour  to  his  memory  ^  "Co  many  this  will  be  the  first  int- 
imation that  such  a  worthy  citizen  ever  existed,  for  which  kno- 
wledge they  may  thanh  his  book-plate* 

frank  6.  Marshall. 

^  Hrcbbishop's  I>ou9e, 
Boston*  ^ 

Be  late  3*  Winfred  Spenceley  engraved,  a  few  mon- 
ths before  he  died,  an  ecclesiastical  coat  of  arms 
with  a  two-line  title  as  above,  and  the  estate  was 
informed  in  'July  1 909  that  the  shield  was  then  in 
use  as  a  letter  head  for  the  Reverend  Hrchbisbop  OXonnell, 
now  exalted  to  the  Cardinalate  ^  Xt  has  since  transpired  that 
the  shield  is  in  use  as  a  book  label  at  the  Granby  8treet  residence. 

T  is  in  the  shape  of  an  unframed  rectangle  measur- 
ing 1  5-8  X  1  3-8  inches  in  size,  with  arms  of  the 
Hrchdiocese  of  Boston,  dexter,  impaling  O'Connell 
sinister,  surmounted  by  Crozier,  Mitre,  A  Staff; 
the  whole  mantled  by  the  hat  and  tassels  then  appropriate  — 
ending  in  four  pairs  /^  "Che  motto  underneath  reads,  **Tigor 
in  arduis^  with  "Hrchbishop's  Bouse,  Boston**  below  in  full- 
face  script  ^  professor  Pierre  de  Chaignon  la  Rose,  the  well- 
known  heraldic  authority,  was  the  designer. 

New  torU,  1,  XXX  i9«  <•  X  M.  H. 


w 


/>  20  ^ 


f^     rbe    ex  Libran     ^ 

Hdvertieing   Buppletncnt 

B.  Hlfi*cd  fowler,  editor, 
3  6ast  Hrmour  Boulevard,  Kansas  City,  Mo.,  d.  8.  H. 


^  6otbic  Book-plates  ^ 

^  *' Being  certain  passages  from  'Che  J^ature  of 
Gothic^  by  3ohn  Rushin,  and  certain  Book-plates 
by  Bertha  Gorst,  H»  R.  6/'  /«? 
^  printed  throughout  upon  white  Italian  hand- 
made paper;  contains  SeveN  ORI6INHL  COp 
peR  pLHCe  iMpReSSIONS,  one  of  them 
a  signed  proof,  of  book-plates  by  Bertha  Gorst, 
and  is  limited  to  250  copies  ^  Che  brochure  is 
uniform  in  style  of  type  and  paper  with  Che  Gx 
Libran  but  is  large  4 to.,  in  size  ^ 
^  price -$1.50  fi 
Kindly  address: 

R.  Hlfred  fowler, 

3  6ast  Hrmour  Boulevard, 

Kansas  City,  JVIissouri,  0. 8*  H. 


Booh-platee 

Coats-of-arms,    Crests,  and  Library  plates^ 
Designed  and  6ngraved 

George    jVIoore^ 

67  Beats  Street, 
BrookUne,    JVIassachusetts* 

Zhc  Booh-pUte  Booklet 

fi  H  few  sets  of  the  fourth  volume  of  Che 
Booh-plate  Booklet  are  still  available  at  the  original 
subscription  price  -  $  i«:»5  fi  Kindly  address: 

!>♦  Hlfred  f^owler, 
3  6a9t  Hrmour  Bcule\>ard,  Kansas  City,  Missouri,  d.  8*  H* 

/?  Catalogue  of  :2ooo  Book-plates  ^ 
^  post-free  to  any  part  of  the  <SClorld  fi 

^  H  Dollar  paehet  of  20  Eooh-plates:  cbippendale,  wreath 
&  ribbon,  pictorial,  library  interior,  armorial,  other  varieties 
all  genuine  specimens,  mailed  free  on  receipt  of  money  order. 
/^  H  fi\>e  Dollar  packet  of  1 00  superior  plates  including  most 
of  the  different  styles  would  form  the  nucleus  of  a  collection* 
^  Che  advertiser  holds  the  entire  remaining  stock  of  Che 
Ofoumal  of  Che  Gx-Libris  Society  and  can  supply  a  complete 
set,  18  years,  for  $35  ^  Single  years  may  be  had  at  from  $1 
per  year  ^  Odd  numbers  ^  title  pages  for  completing  sets 
can  also  be  supplied  at  reduced  rates  ^  Book-plates  of  any 
particular  family  Name  will  be  sent  on  approval. 

Bdmund  Lister, 
104  Manchester  Street,  Oldham,  6ngland. 


Boob-plates 

for  8alc 

j^  ]Sow  ready  -  Hn  intcvesting  catalogue  of  Old  ^  Rare  Hrm- 
ortal  Book-plates  wbicb  will  be  sent  post-free  to  Gx  Libran 
subscribers  /^  "Cbis  catalogue  is  illustrated  with  85  repro- 
ductions of  tbc  various  styles  made  use  of  to  decorate  tbe  **ex 
libris**  of  tbc  i8tb  &  i9tb  centuries;  and  it  will  be  found  of 
use  to  tbose  interested  in  genealogy  as  well  as  tbe  book-plate 
collector.  ^ 

C*  H*  )VIa99ey 

1 36,  Upper  Culsc  Yi\%  London,  8*  ^.,  England* 

/^  Xn  preparation  -  H  priced  list  of  an  almost  complete  series 
of  tbe  book-plates  engraved  by  C  TXL  8berbom,  besides  spec- 
imens by  otber  modem  artists,  and  some  interesting  plates 
of  well-known  celebrities,  j^ 


f^  Hnnouncement  ^ 

fi  )Mn  f^rank  T.  Barbydt,  under  whose  personal  di- 
rection Che  6x  Libran  is  printed,  solicits  correspon- 
dence tn  reference  to  the  publication  of  private  &  lim- 
ited editions  of  the  better  grades  fi  Quotations  and 
'Mummies*'  for  a  given  work,  on  imported  hand-made 
papers  and  vellum,  gladly^  submitted*  /^ 

Hddress: 

frank  Y.  Barhydt, 

707-709  JVIc  Gee  Street, 

Kansas  City,  ]VIissourt,  U*  6*  H* 


The  ex  Libran* 

Volume  I,     ffumber  2. 


R*  Hlfred  fowler 

Kansas  Cit)?,  ]Mt880un» 

a  8.  H. 


Charted  ^tUiam  8herbom« 


BGRe  ie  that  about  the  departure  from  this 
life  of  a  good  man,  a  man  who  creates  works 
of  true  merit,  or  a  man  who  combines  both  of 
these  qualities,  that  goes  to  form  no  small  part 
of  the  wonder  of  our  existence.  It  is  but  nat- 
ural that  we  should  be  disposed,  upon  occas- 
ion, to  con|e£hn^  as  to  why  men  with  such  an  inborn  power 
of  creating  beneficent  worh— beneficent  as  an  enlightenment 
through  creation  of  the  beautiful— must  be  taken  from  our 
midst  where  they  are  doing  so  much  toward  the  beautifying, 
and  consequent  beatification,  of  our  existence.  Ht  the  same 
time  we  know  and  rely  implicitly  upon  our  faith  that  it  is 
simply  for  the  reason  that  a  greater  work  is  ripe  for  them. 

Re  thoughtful  and  calm  contemplation  of  the  beau- 
tiful—either the  beauty  of  Nature  or  spiritual  beau- 
ty—is a  wonderfully  uplifting  influence  and  truly 
a  6od-given  one.  "Cbere  may  be  beauty  in  thought, 
in  words,  a£tions,  music,  emotions,  it  -  graphically  -  in  orn- 
amentation and  decoration  as  expressed  by  the  artist;  and  it 
is  in  this  latter  creation  of  beauty  that  we  found  our  artist, 
Charles  ^Zlilliam  Sherbom,  constantly  engaged.  Ris  good  work 
was  always  for  our  betterment,  through  the  benign  influence 
of  its  beauty,  and  is  still  so,  although  the  man  has  passed  be- 
yond in  accord  with  the  consummation  of  F)is  will. 

Be  influence  remains;  not  in  a  form  where  it  may 
be  found  by  the  few  — seeking— but  rather  to  be 
found  in  semblance  where  it  may  seek  to  do  good, 
dnlike,  for  instance,  a  masterpiece  of  painting,  the 
prints  from  an  engraved  plate  are  each  as  beautiful  as  their 
fellows:  in  alt  of  them  the  pristine  beauty  of  the  original 
work  is  shown,  H  copy  of  a  painting  may  be  practically  perfeft 


1^23  i# 


-mMhankally-but  ff  the  cop3H8t  poesees  not  genius  as  great, 
or  greater,  than  that  of  the  old  master  be  cannot  hope  to  attain 
its  essential  beauty.  'Cbe  blessing  bestowed  by  its  beauty  must 
be  sought  after  with  much  labour  'vv^bereas  many  may  bash  in 
the  radiance  of  the  prints  of  an  engra\>ed  masterpiece. 

ND  so  the  engra\>er's  blessings,  as  given  by  the 
beauty  of  his  work,  are  conferred  upon  the  mul- 
titude. Hnd  so  will  Sherbom's  art  go  down  thro- 
ugh time — blessing  the  many  with  its  beauty,  re- 
laying to  future  generations  the  beauties  and  blessings  of  the  old 
6erman  masters  of  Durer's  school  (by  whom  he  was  greatly 
influenced),  and  furnishing  to  those  generations  inspiration 
for  the  furtherance  of  an  art  so  capable  of  good  and  so  worthy 
of  emulation. 

''Duce  natura  sequor.^ 


^24^ 


Hn  Hftemoon  with  )VIr*  8herboni* 


^ 


^m 


f^B  day  last  7um  I  boarded  a  bus  in  the  Strand 
and,  after  a  seemingly  interminable  ride,  reached 
South  Kensington »  stepping  off  at  f  inborough 
Road  soon  to  be  at  the  door  of  number  One.  H 
moment  later ,  having  added  to  my  card  the  magic  words, 
**Booh-plate  Colleftor**,  1  was  welcomed  to  his  home  by  Mr* 
Sherbom,  with  the  greatest  cordiality,  for  a  time  we  tallied 
of  everyday  matters  and  of  the  approaching  Coronation,  which 
was  then  absorbing  every  6nglishman's  interest,  IMr.  Sherbom 
tatting  pride  in  saying  that  the  coming  one  was  to  be  the  third 
that  he  had  seen  in  6ngland— surely  a  good  boast  of  longevity. 
Chen  the  conversation  drifted  to  the  ever-interesting  subject 
of  book-plates  and  X  was  invited  to  visit  the  Studio. 

JJ^lrS^  R.  Sherbom  went  up  to  his  studio  while  1  wait- 
Ymfri  K\Mk\J  ^^  j>elow  with  Mrs.  Sherbom  for  there  were  four 
flights  of  stairs  to  climb  and  when  one  is  over 
eighty  years  of  age,  as  JMr.  Sherbom  was  at  that 


time,  stairs  must  be  taken  slowly.  X  had  spohen  to  Mr.  Sher- 
bom of  a  plate  he  was  then  at  worh  upon  for  my  friend,  Mr. 
fowler,  and  when  X  entered  the  studio  there  sat  the  good 
gentleman  at  his  table,  scratching  away  at  a  copper  plate,  just 
as  he  has  been  so  often  pictured.  CQhen  X  entered  the  room  he 
tumed,  looking  over  his  glasses,  and  said,  smiling,  ^'tou  can 
tell  Mr*  fowler  that  you  a^hially  saw  me  at  work  upon  his 
plate,  anyway." 

OCIRS  might  have  been  spent  in  examining  the 
studio  alone;  a  large  room  well  lighted  by  three 
great  windows  and  filled  with  tables  &  old-fash- 
ioned fumiture,  all  heaped  high  with  books,  mag- 
azines, portfolios  of  prints,  engravings,  and  all  of  the  other 
odds  and  ends  which  an  artist  invariably  gathers  about  him 


"Che  tvatls  were  covered  with  pi6hire9  and  engravings^  framed 
proofs  of  book-plates,  the  worh  of  Mr*  Sberbom  and  many 
another  engraver  weU-fmown  tn  the  Boott-plate  'Klorld.  Other 
frames  contained  rare  old  German  ^  Cnglish  plates,  those  that 
are  often  found  in  the  dealers'  catalogues  with  prohibitive  prices 
attached,  which  alone  would  make  a  collection  that  would  be 
the  envy  of  most  collectors. 

6  looked  through  the  good  gentleman's  own 
collection;  one  portfolio  after  another  filled  with 
his  engravings,  all  carefully  arranged  ^  indexed, 
SS^I^  showing  all  examples  from  the  great  franks  down 
to  the  tiny  Orrock,  each  one  beautifully  done  and  showing  the 
hand  of  the  master  workman.  J^o  small  part  of  the  interest 
in  the  plates  centred  in  Mr.  8herbom*s  interesting  remarks 
about  each  plate,  either  about  the  significance  of  the  design  or 
some  little  anecdote  in  regard  to  the  owner  and  the  making  of 
the  plate. 

68XD68  his  own  work  the  studio  contained  a 
large  collection  of  the  old  &  rare  plates  of  6ngland 
and  Germany,  all  of  the  old  masters  whom  he  fol- 
lowed in  his  work  were  well  represented  and  made 
a  magnificent  display,  ^ith  such  inspiring  examples  to  work 
from  and  such  masters  to  follow  it  is  no  small  wonder  that 
Mr.  Sherbom's  genius  followed  the  older  German  styles  so 
successfully  and  so  thoroughly  attained  the  ''spirit*'  of  them. 

HCeR  we  spoke  of  the  world  of  book-plates, 
modem  tendencies,  engravers  &  designers,  and  all 
of  the  gossip  so  interesting  to  the  collector,  ne 
had  a  surprising  knowledge  of  the  best  engravers 
of  6ngland,  Hmcrica,  and  the  Continent  and  knew  most  of 
their  work  almost  as  well  as  he  did  his  own.  Hnd,  of  course, 
he  was  just  as  familiar  with  the  old  masters,  criticising  and 
speaking  of  Durer  and  Hmman  as  intimately  as  of  6ve  and 


frcncb.  But  greatly  as  be  revered  the  old  worhere  of  the  craft 
the  modem  German  and  f  rencb  plates  &  tbetr  makers  beld  no 
place  in  bis  pantbeon,  ^  be  simply  classified  tbem  as  ''trasb''. 

Mm  MA  ^^^Ijjl  as  well  as  of  wbat  pertained  to  bis  own  profession, 
fl  discussing  men  and  affairs  in  and  out  of  tbe  Booft- 
^  plate  <norld  witb  tbe  force  and  knowledge  tbat 
comes  witb  years.  80  we  talked  until  it  grew  dark  and  I  took 
my  leave,  riding  back  to  London  witb  a  feeling  of  pleasure  at 
baving  been  able  to  spend  even  a  few  sbort  bours  witb  one  wbo 
bas  stood  for  so  many  years  at  tbe  bead  of  tbe  profession  of 
book-plate  making. 

<{linward  prescott. 


f>f otes  upon  a  CoUe^Hon 
of  Book-plates  by  Charted  iXliUtatii  Bherbom,  R*  6» 

R6  list  of  Ml**  Sberbom's  book-plate  patrons 
probably  embraces  more  ^celebrities''  (as  colle£^ors 
are  so  fond  of  calling  tbem)  tban  a  similar  list  of 
tbe  work  of  any  otber  individual  book-plate  artist. 
H  mere  glance  at  tbe  imposing  array  discloses  tbe  names  of 
R.  R.  B.  Tiftoria  Mary,  Queen  of  6ngland,  B.  8.  B.  Mary 
Hdelaide,Ducbess  of  Ceck,  prince  f rancis  of  ^eck,  Mrs.  6rover 
Cleveland,  a  group  of  plates  for  tbe  famous  Rotbscbild  family, 
a  plate  for  8ir  Hrtbur  Ticars,  at  one  time  Qlster  King  of  Hrms, 
and,  among  tbe  autbors,  Bumpbry  ^  Mary  ^ard,  Rboda 
Brougbton,  and  8ir  8idney  Colvin;  tbe  latter  being  tbe  biog- 
rapber  of  Robert  Louis  8tevenson  and  Curator  of  prints  at 
tbe  Britisb  Museum.  Hll  of  tbese  in  addition  to  countless 
designs  for  well-known  members  of  tbe  peerage,  plates  for 
famous  libraries  ^  clubs,  and  designs  meritorious  purely  for 
tbeir  own  artistic  qualities. 


eR  Majesty's  plate  is  a  simple  monogram  of  the 
letters  **TM'*  upon  a  cartouche  within  a  floral  spray 
and  the  whole  surmounted  by  a  coronet.  "Che  plate 
for  the  Duchess  of  'Cech  is  composed  of  the  letters 
MH^in  monogram  upon  a  scroll-edged  cartouche  surmounted 
by  a  coronett  whereas  the  plate  for  prince  f  rancis  of  Vteh  has 
for  its  design  the  letters  **f  Cin  cypher  upon  a  cartouche,  or, 
the  whole  within  a  collar  of  the  Order  of  the  Bath,  in  turn 
within  a  scrolled  frame  and  surmounted  by  a  coronet. 

m 

tree  and 
among  flowers  in  the  fore-ground  holding  a  par- 


chment roll  in  one  hand  upon  which  she  has  just  inscribed,  with 
a  quill  held  in  the  other  hand,  the  letters  **ff**  for  f  ranees 
f  olsom,  Mrs*  Cleveland's  maiden  name.  Hbove,  a  central  car- 
touche bears  the  insignia  of  the  United  States  and,  below,  a 
similar  one  bears  the  simple  initial  **C***  Che  inscription  reads, 
**Dignare  amore  minutias,  Bx  Libris  f  ranees  f  olsom  Cleve- 
land'' and  is  signed,  ^C.  <Zl.  8herbom,  R.  6.,  1900"  with  a 
minute  representation  of  the  shield  of  arms  of  the  City  of 
London  below  the  signature. 

■sv^^esi  R  s  Rothschild  plates  present  a  variety  of  mono- 
grams, cyphers,  and  ornamental  features— one  of 
the  most  important  bearing  a  view  of  "Cring  park. 
"Zhc  Ticars  are  (there  are  two  states  of  the  plate) 
chiefly  heraldic  whereas  the  <Zlard  and  Broughton  are  mostly 
ornamental.  Che  Colvin  is  best  described  by  its  owner,  '''Che 
insets  in  my  booh-plate  by  8herbom  are  meant  to  suggest  out- 
door nature  and  woman-hood— the  two  things  which,  to  me, 
have  made  life  best  worth  living;  and,  at  the  same  time,  my 
particular  'metier'  as  Keeper  of  prints  here  (at  the  British 
Museum).  Chey  are  taken,  not  literally  but  very  freely,  one 


1*284* 


from  an  etching  by  Claude  Sorain,  the  otbcv  from  an  anon- 
ymous early  Italian  print  in  the  Museum,  but  their  real  pur- 
port is  the  s3mibolic  one  merely .'' 

^^^^"^  B  e  Hugustus  ^oUaston  f  ranks  Bequest  plate  of 
the  Society  of  Hntiquaries  is  one  that  is  in  good 
demand  among  coUe^ors.  It  bears  a  central  port- 
rait, within  laurel  &,  olive,  of  the  donor,  and  num- 
erous other  appropriate  properties,  ^he  whole  design  is  a  ver- 
itable personification  of  dignity,  making  it  a  desirable  acquis- 
ition; as  the  Society  will  not  exchange  with  collectors  the  plate 
en)03?s  some  rarity.  "Che  plate  for  the  Bibliographical  Society 
is  composed  of  the  initials  **B  S**  entwined  with  olive  A  with- 
in a  scroll-edged  frame,  the  whole  being  fixed  upon  a  panel  with 
boohs,  inh-well,  and  a  quill.  Vhc  Burlington  fine  Hrts  Club 
plate  has  been  a  frequent  motive  for  praise  of  the  artist's  worh. 
H  scroll  of  acanthus  leaves  spreads  over  a  panel  and  forms  the 
back-ground  for  portraits  of  Rembrandt  and  Lord  Hrundel; 
one  taken  from  the  1 640  portrait  in  the  ]Hational  6allery  and 
the  other  from  the  portrait  by  Tand3?ck;  various  books,  a  vase, 
head  of  Hpollo,  and  a  motto  from  Chucydides  form  the  rem- 
ainder of  the  essential  design*  T^he  inscription  is  upon  a  tablet, 
or,  within  a  scrolled  and  beaded  frame  at  the  base. 

]He  group  of  plates  comprising  the  f  incham,  6llis, 
'Chairlwall,  Spokes,  and  Kohler  is  of  some  interest. 
]Mr.  f  incham  describes  the  group:  **)VIr.  'J,  Roberts 
Brown  found  the  coppers  of  some  old  xviij  century 
initial  letters  having  the  large  letter  and  most  of  the  pifture. 
Sherbom  added  the  small  lettering  and,  in  my  case,  the  bird 
(finch)  ^  the  ham.  ^his  was  done  for  a  joke  ^  was  the  first 
of  these  old  coppers  used,  the  others  following  within  the  next 
two  years  as  Brown  gave  the  coppers  to  his  friends  who  got 
Sherbom  to  complete  them — we  were  then  a  little  coterie  of 
friends.'' 


RMORIHL  achkvcmentd  pUy  an  important  role 
in  the  design  of  the  greater  number  of  Sberbom's 
creations  altbougb  tbe  departures  therefrom  are  in- 
variably as  pleasing  and  skilfully  composed*  from 
tbe  plain  armorial  "l^ames  Roberts  Brown  and  tbe  Lord  Dunleath 
to  tbe  pretentious  and  wonderfully  intricate  &  accurate  6arl 
Beaucbamp  and  tbe  Duhe  of  jSortbumberland  group,  tbe  armor- 
ial plates  all  display  masterful  handling  and  a  thorough  bnow- 
ledge  of  that  phase  of  design*  Ladies'  plates,  too,  frequently 
show  armorial  achievements,  one  of  tbe  prettiest  of  these  ex- 
amples being  the  Gmily,  Tiscountess  r)ambleden,  while  tbe 
evelyn  Ramar  Chetwode,  Emma  Chamberlayne,  &  Lady  Hnne 
Dicb-Lauder  plates  are  also  important  and  well-executed  arm- 
orial designs. 

If'C't-'C^O  years  before  his  demise  Mv.  Sherbom 
executed  the  Cbandos  ^ren  I)osli3ms — supposed  to 
be  his  first  boob-plate — another  heraldic  achieve- 
ment. "Che  plate  for  B.  Hlfred  fowler  was  tbe  last 
one  anally  finished  before  his  death  although  several  other 
plates  lacbcd  but  a  few  strobes  for  completion.  M»*»  Sherbom 
engraved  a  few  plates  for  Hmericans;  one  for  tbe  Rowfant  Club, 
Cleveland,  was  being  made  at  the  time  of  bis  death  &  several 
other  designs  for  Hmericans  were  being  prepared.  One  of  these, 
for  JVIv*  Win  ward  prescott,  has  since  been  executed  by  J^v, 
8idney  L.  Smith,  of  Boston. 

<{lO  of  tbe  most  beautiful  and  most  interesting  of 
all  of  tbe  plates  are  those  marking  the  collections 


Bhahespeare  Memorial  Library  at  8tratford-upon- 
Hvon.  "Chey  are  well-described  by  Mv*  <n.  8.Brassington,  tbe 
Librarian  and  Curator  there.  **'Chc  boob-plate  engraved  by  Mr. 
C.  m*  Sherbom  for  tbe  Mcniorial  Library  has,  in  tbe  centre, 
a  portrait  of  William  8babespeare  copied  from  the  original  oil 


^  30  /^ 


painting  in  this  gallery,  generally  accepted  as  the  original  of  the 
engraved  portrait  by  Martin  Oroeshout  in  the  first  folio  of 
Shakespeare's  Plays,  published  in  1623.  Hbove  are  the  arms 
of  Shakespeare  as  granted  to  the  poet's  father,  '6ules,  on  a 
bend  sable  a  spear  of  the  first,  the  point  steeled  proper.  Hnd 
for  his  crest  of  cognizance,  a  faulcon  his  wings  displayed  arg- 
ent standing  on  a  wreath  of  his  couUors  supporting  a  spear 
gould  steeled  as  aforesaid  set  upon  a  healmett  with  mantelles 
and  tasselles/  Grant  1596*  Below  are  the  arms  of  the  corpor- 
ation of  8tratford-upon-Hvon;  the  wreath  around  the  portrait 
is  the  poet's  bay,  the  oak  of  <iClarwickshire  (forest  of  Hrden), 
and  the  X^udor  rose.  'Che  arms  on  the  Birth-place  book-plate 
are  those  of  Shakespeare  while  the  room  represents  the  room 
in  which  the  poet  was  bom." 

jVOCBeR  group  of  plates  of  much  importance 
comprises  the  two  Mr.  Sherbom  engraved  for  his 
own  use  and  the  one  he  engraved  for  his  son,  Mr. 
Charles  Davies  Sherbom.  Che  first  of  his  own 
plates  is  dated  1873  and  is  in  the  ''early  German'' style  so 
skilfully  employed  by  the  artist,  while  the  second,  dated  1878, 
is  rather  more  elabourate  and  is  given  mostly  to  allegorical 
figures  representing,  as  Hllen  says,  ''the  passing  of  the  soul 
from  birth  to  immortality."  Che  Caroli  Oavies  Sherbom  is 
an  intricate  library  interior  and  a  remarkably  brilliant  plate. 

PON  a  few  of  the  plates  we  find  Mr.  Sherbom 's 
own  portrait,  "ipse  fecit,"  which  should  make  those 
plates  of  more  than  ordinary  interest  to  their  own- 
ers, now  that  the  chapter  of  bis  work  has  been  closed. 
Such  portraits  appear  upon  the  R. H.  Rogers,  the  Charles  Bur- 
ton, which  is  an  alteration  of  the  Rogers  plate  just  mentioned, 
the  Caroli  Davies  Sherbom,  and  the  B.  Hlfred  fowler.  "Che 
latter  also  bears  a  miniature  reproduftion  of  the  artist's  own 
1878  book-plate.  Che  R.  S.  Chome  presents  an  unique  feature 


/?  31  ^ 


—  the  accurate  reproduction  of  a  wood-cut  upon  an  engraved 
plate.  Hnd,  indeed,  the  effeA  secured  is  so  deceiving  that  one 
must  pass  the  hand  over  the  print  and  feel  the  roughness  of 
the  plate-printing  inh  to  be  assured  that  it  is  plate  worh*  The 
scene  is  from  a  Bewick  wood-cut  and  depicts  a  man  angling 
in  a  shady  brook.  Hnother  design  entitled  simply  **6wendolen** 
is  a  beautiful  composition.  Xt  consists  of  a  harp  as  the  central 
motive  with  two  small  books  and  a  sheet  of  music  near,  the 
whole  within  a  festoon  draped  from  a  ribbon  bearing  the  motto. 
In  this  design  the  panel  effe6^  so  universally  employed  is  dis- 
carded, with  pleasing  variety. 

J^  connection  with  Mv.  8herbom*s  book-plates  there 
are  many  interesting  **states"  existing.  Hn  early 
state  of  the  <Zlilliam  Robinson  is  more  lightly  and 
delicately  engraved  than  the  later  condition  &  shows 
that  alterations  were  also  made  in  the  portrait  of  Crasmus 
thereon.  "Che  first  state  of  the  "John  mm  Ryland  is  also  more 
lightly  engraved  and  shows  a  variation  in  shape  of  the  escutch- 
eon forming  a  part  of  the  crest  as  well  as  in  the  charges  upon 
this  shield  and  upon  the  lion  in  the  crest.  "Che  later  state 
Thomas  "Cylston  0reg  displays  the  arms  per  pale  instead  of 
quarterly:  the  Robert  Lloyd  <{loollcombe  depicts  the  crescents 
or  and  argent  instead  of  or:  an  early  state  of  the  William  Hnd- 
rew  I'Hnson  is  without  the  annulets:  and  two  states  of  the 
Baron  Hmpthill  show  different  positions  of  the  differencing 
mullet.  "Che  B.  H.  R(ogers)  was  altered  for  C(harles)  B(urton) 
the  monogram  being  the  only  inscription  and,  consequently,  the 
only  change  was  made  therein. 

Be  George  Beath  Tiner  was  altered  to  serve  for 
the  gentleman's  son,  George  Hrthur  Tiner.  "Chere 
are  three  states  of  the  Hgatha  Royds  "Crevor:  the 
first  state  bears  the  simple  lettering,  ''Hgatha,'*  ^ 
displays  an  armorial  achievement  on  a  lozenge;  in  the  second 


state  the  lettering  fe  altered  to  read,  **Hgatba  Royds  Trevor" 
vpitb  impaling  arms  added  upon  the  lozenge;  ^  the  third  state 
is  as  the  second  but  displays  the  arms  charged  upon  a  spade- 
shaped  shield  instead  of  upon  the  lozenge.  The  Rosalind  was 
altered  to  read,  **Benjamin  &Hmy  eikin.*'  Collectors  may  ex- 
perience some  confusion  with  reference  to  the  **8ir  Thomas 
Broohe"  plates*  The  small  plate  (measuring  25  x  40  mm.)  is 
by  Mr.  Sherbom  whereas  only  the  altered  inscription  and  the 
addition  of  the  badge  of  Ulster  to  the  larger  plate  were  by  our 
artist,  these  alterations  being  carried  out  upon  Sir  Thomas 
Brooke's  being  granted  a  baronetcy. 

fyXLG  not  just  within  the  province  of  book-plates 
Mr.  Sherbom's  worh  other  than  his  book-plates; 
his  miscellaneous  engravings  and  etchings,  which 
possess  the  same  grace,  the  same  dignity,  ^  the 
same  brilliancy  for  which  the  ex  libris  are  noted,  are  well  worthy 
of  consideration.  The  portrait  of  Sir  f  rancis  Seymour  Raden 
is  perhaps  the  most  esteemed  and  cherished  of  the  miscellaneous 
prints;  on  account  of  its  being  such  a  fine  portrait  and  because 
of  the  fitness  of  detail.  The  whole  conception  of  the  design  is 
especially  good ;  the  portrait  proper  is  wonderfully  well  executed, 
the  handling  of  the  hair  and  fur  collar  vividly  recalling  a  sim- 
ilar feature  of  Durer's  portrait  of  his  good  friend  pirckeym- 
heri,  &  the  wealth  of  detail  has  received  especially  pains-taking 
labour. 


^g  R.  Hopson  said,  in  an  address  given  sometime 
*^W  since  before  the  Rowfant  Club,  **Many  an  ordinary 
W  engraver  can  outclass  Sherbom  in  the  manual  cut- 
^  ting  of  the  lines  necessary  to  cover  a  given  space, 
whether  for  aflat  or  a  graded  tint;  but  lacking  the  6od-given 
grace  of  artistic  feeling,  his  work,  in  the  higher  sense,  availeth 
naught.  Mechanical  perfection,  pushed  too  far  in  the  fine  arts, 
spells,  at  the  last,  inferiority.**  Remarks  that  apply  to  every 


j^  a  j^ 


example  of  bis  work  but  wbtcb  seem  espcctaUy  appropriate  t^tb 
refct'ence  to  bis  **iiiieceUaneou9**  worh, 

^^  ILCOJ^,  as  a  young  man,  fi^m  tbe  miniatuw  by 

^^W  8amuel  Cooper,  is  a  simple  oval  portrait  witb  no 

IJf  ornamentation.  "Cbe  portraits  of  8bakespeare  and 

^  Cromwell  are  both  brilliant  plates,  tbe  former  be- 


ing a  brge  balf-lengtb  portrait  and  tbe  latter  sbowing  tbe  lead- 
er of  tbe  famous  **  psalm-singing  Ironsides'*  vividly  portrayed 
^  witb  acbievements  of  arms  and  various  regalia  completing  tbe 
panel.  Hn  interesting  feature  of  tbe  Sbabespeare  portrait  detail 
is  a  f  ac-simile  of  tbe  poet's  autograpb 
MK^  T>e  allegorical  prints,  ""Hpollo**  and  ''Tenus  and 
afrxJ^S  Cupid,**  possess  a  wealtb  of  detail  tbat  could  not 
HRJ^^fi  be  consistently  used  witb  tbe  portraits.  H  colossal 
^^^^  figure  of  Hpollo  stands  in  tbe  fore-ground;  a  bow 
rests  in  bis  band,  from  wbicb  be  bas  just  burtled  tbe  sbaft  of 
Dawn  putting  jVtgbt  to  fligbt;  a  splendid  radiance  of  sun-ligbt 
spreads  over  tbe  shy;  cbantecler  beralds  tbe  new-bom  ligbt; 
Nigbt*9  vassal,  tbe  raven,  balances  upon  a  brancb  preparatory 
for  fligbt;  and  tbe  moon,  an  bouri,  is  sbown,  running,  in  tbe 
bach-ground.  'Cbe  wbole  composition  is  well  conceived  as  is  also 
tbe  Tenus  and  Cupid,  altbougb  tbe  latter  lacks  somewbat  of  tbe 
detail  and  significance  of  tbe  Hpollo. 

y^^K  RHC  witb  its  acbievements  of  arms,  scrolls,  & 
r«fpHlii  ^**^^*"S  (which  is  extraordinarily  well  drawn  up- 
l^^ll/  on  this  plate),  tbe  Guildhall  Banquet  card  more 
ssss^^  nearly  resembles  an  enormous  booh-plate  than  an 
invitation  to  an  important  funftion.  Che  Shrine  of  Gdward  tbe 
Confessor,  (Qestminster  Hbbey,  is  a  fine  example  of  Mr.  8ber- 
bom*9  etching,  of  especial  interest  to  colle£i^ors  of  bis  booft- 
plates  since  they  will  seldom  find  examples  of  his  handling  of 
this  medium  among  them.  Ris  worh  in  this  medium  is,  bow- 
ever,  quite  as  attractive  as  bis  engraving. 


i*34#* 


3Lj»..l:-iiii!feb 


imi»li<iv»n.^'iv);   .  ■>■»,  I  r%     -    «- 'i-^- iti)>H»»t"r*"""'— ■^-["'■"■""uitwr' 


N  oceasiotul  magazine  devoted  to  booft-plates,  Mb- 
iiopbilism,  and  art;  edited  and  published  by  R. 
Hlfred  fowler  ^  Hddrees  all  businesa  and  edit- 

orial  eommunicatione  to  the  editor,  3  east  Hrm- 

cur  Boulevard,  Kansas  City,  Missouri,  d*  8.  H*,  /^  Sub- 
scription: $2.00  per  volume  of  four  numbers;  single  copies 
wilt  not  be  circulated  separately  1^  Literary  contributions 
will  be  gladly  considered  for  publication.  ^  ^  /^  ^  /^  /^ /^ 


N  presenting  an  issue  of  'Che  6x  Libran  devoted  en- 
tirely to  the  late  Charles  <iQilliam  Sherbom  we  can, 
at  best,  do  justice  to  but  a  small  proportion  of  the 
importance  of  bis  work.  "Che  forthcoming  volume  on 
M^  Sherbom's  life  and  work,  which  is  promised  for  public- 
ation in  the  Hutumn  by  his  son,  Charles  Davies  Sherbom,  sho- 
uld receive  a  great  ovation  for,  as  yet,  nothing  of  real  value — 
especially  from  the  coUeftors  point  of  view  —  has  been  publish- 
ed with  reference  to  his  work.  Snthusiastic  dissertations  have 
appeared  now  and  again  but  they  have  been  of  little  value  ex- 
cept as  appreciations. 

^^^^53  OLLeCt:OR8  of  his  book-plates  have  long  been 
groping  in  the  darkness,  what  with  their  incomp- 
lete and  inaccurate  lists  ^  the  difficulty  of  securing 
authentic  information  concerning  many  of  the  des- 
igns. Chese  lists  were  labouriously  compiled  and  then  found 
to  be  of  little  praftical  value;  the  authentic  list  which,  we  under- 
stand, is  to  be  published  with  the  book  will  indeed  prove  a 
veritable  **guiding  light.**  It  is  to  be  hoped  that  the  volume 
will  treat  of  and  list  the  miscellaneous  etchings  ^  engravings 
as  well  as  the  book-plates,  ^e  also  understand  that  Mr.  Sher- 


^35/^ 


born  (8  to  hxvc  the  asdistance  of  several  of  bis  father's  Uf e-tong 
friends,  who  were  associated  with  Mm  in  the  Gx  Libris  Soc- 
iety, in  the  compilation  of  the  book?  a  worh  compiled  after  their 
long  experience  as  booh-plate  coUe6^ors  it  enthusiasts  should 
prove  an  accomplishment  to  satisfy  the  every  need  of  the  col- 
leftor. 


^^  R.  Hopson.  in  his  address  to  the  Rowfant  Club 
'^^y  (quoted  elsewhere  more  at  length)  sounded  the  true 
ml  ke3mote  of  the  man's  popularity  when  he  said,  in 


speaking  of  his  competitors,  ''but  lacking  the  God- 
given  grace  of  artistic  feeling**  —  meaning  that  8berbom*s  art 
was  superior  in  its  possession  of  this  same  ''God-given  grace** 
where  others  might,  now  and  again,  be  superior  in  some  point 
of  technique.  H  remark  in  a  letter  to  the  editor,  criticizing  his 
plate  which  was  the  last  one  the  artist  completed,  is  of  interest 
in  showing  the  quality  of  his  workmanship  up  to  the  very  last 
of  his  fifty-two  years  of  book-plate  engraving.  "Che  writer,  Mr* 
Cheney,  oxys,  "Sherbom  kept  to  the  last  his  peculiar  mastery 
of  contrasted  blacks  and  whites,  which  gives  even  this  last 
plate  the  rich  eff eft  so  charafteristic  of  all  of  his  work  although 
in  it  he  did  lose  some  of  the  delicacy  and  cleanliness  of  line 
which  distinguished  his  earlier  work. 


^^^^  aa  frontispiece  portrait  of  Mr*  Sherbom  will  be 
■  IbCjWl  easily  recognized  as  of  the  incomf 

ship  of  Mr,  Sidney  L.  Smith,  of  B< 

illustration  is  of  Sherbom*s  home,  i  f  inborough 


easily  recognized  as  of  the  incomparable  workman- 
A^^llRJ  ship  of  Mr*  Sidney  L.  Smith,  of  Boston.  Che  second 

Road,  South  Kensington,  which  has  long  been  a  Mecca  for  Lon- 
don visitors  from  the  Book-plate  ^orld.  Hnd  here  their  visits 
were  always  made  events  long  to  be  remembered  in  the  fashion 
in  which  Mr.  prescott  describes  the  good  man's  courtesy.  Che 
Sherbom  Rouse  drawing  is  by  Mr*  <{lalter  Marshall  Clute. 


i*s6^ 


^     The    Gx  Libran     /^ 

Hdverttetng  8upptenient 

B.  Hlfrcd  fowler,  editor, 
3  6a8t  Hrmour  Boulevard,  Kaneas  City,  Mo.,  d*  8*  H. 


f^  Gothic  Book-plates  ^ 

fi  '^Being  certain  passages  from  *Che  T^atiire  of 
Gothic'  by  'John  Rushin,  and  certain  Book-plates 
by  Bertha  6orst,.fl>  R»  6  J'  /? 
r«?  printed  throughout  upon  white  Italian  hand- 
made paper;  cd^tainsfi^eveN  0RI6INHL  COp; 
peR  pLHte  IJNIpReSSipjsrS,  one  of  them 
a  signed  proof,  of  book-plates  by  Bertha  Gorst, 
and  is  limited  to  250  copies  /^  Che  brochure  is 
uniform  in  style  of  t3?pe  and  paper  with  Che  Gx 
Libran  but  is  large  4 to.,  in  size  fi 
^  price -$1.50  fi 
Kindly  address: 

R.  Hlfred  fowler, 

3  east  Hrmour  Boulevard, 

Kansas  City,  jMissouri,  U.  8.  H» 


Catalogue  of  a  CoUedlon 

of 

f^inc  and  Rare  Booh-plates 

Containing  also  a  second  Hlpbabet  of  about 

13000 
plates  arranged  in  family  Groups.  ^  ,#  On  sale  by: 

Chomas  Chorp, 
no  Rigb  Street,  Guildford,  Sngland* 

/^  'Cbc  catalogue  contains  many  early  plates  of  Hmerican 
interest;  also  modem  plates  by  Sberbom,  Gve,  f  rencb,  8pen- 
celey,  and  others  ^  ^  post  free  on  inquest.  ^ 

Book-plates 

Coats-of-arms,    Crests,  and  Library  plates, 
Designed  and  Bngrawd 

George    jVIoore^ 

67  Beals  Street, 
BroohUne,    JVIaseachusetts* 

fi  Catalogue  of  ^ooo  Book-plates  ^ 

^  post-free  to  any  part  of  the  Cdorld  r*? 

H  Dollar  packet  of  20  Boolt-pbtes:  cbippendale,  wreath  ^ 

ribbon,  piftorial,  library  interior,  armorial,  &,  other  varieties — 

all  genuine  specimens,  mailed  free  on  receipt  of  money  order. 

Book-plates  of  any  particular  family  I^ame  sent  on  approval. 

Gdmund  Lister, 
104  Manchester  Street,  Oldham,  6ngland* 


Che  6x  Libi^n  8cHe8  of 

Original  pbotograpbic  prints 

of  Book-plates  b]?  Charles  (XlUUani  6herbom>  R*  6* 

/^  6acb  print  is  a  photographic  print  of  a  negative  made  from 
an  original  plate  impression  of  the  booh-plate  /^  "Cbe  prints 
are  the  exaft  size  of  the  originals  and  are  nicely  mounted ,  un- 
iform in  size  /^  price:  25  cents  each,  or  $2.50  for  the  set  of  12 
/^  Cbe  prints  are  of  the  following  plates: 

I.  Viftoria  Mary,  Queen  of  6ngland. 

IX.  Mary  Hdelaide,  Duchess  of  Cech. 

HI.  f  ranees  f  olsom  (Mrs.  0rover)  Cleveland. 

IT.  Burlington  fine  Hrts  Club,  London. 

T.  8ociety  of  Hntiquaries,  London. 

TI.  prince  f  rancis  of  t^ech. 

Til.  Shakespeare's  Birth-place  Library. 

Till.  Shakespeare  Memorial  Library,  Stratford-on-Hvon 

IX.  Duhe  of  Northumberland. 

X.  {honourable  Society  of  Lincoln's  Inn,  London. 

XI.  **0wendolen." 

XII.  Davies-Colley  Colleftion,  6uy's  hospital,  London. 

^  dnmounted  prints  for  ''extra  illustration''  may  be  had  at 
the  same  rate.  Kindly  address- 

V\k  ex  Libran,  B.  Hlfred  fowler,  editor, 
3  east  Hrmour  Boulevard, 

Kansas  City,  Missouri,  d.  S.  H* 


Xht  Book-plate  Booklet 

fi  H  few  sets  of  the  fourth  wlume  of  Che 
Booh-plate  Booklet  are  still  available  at  the  original 
subscription  price  -  $  i«^5  ^  Kindl>^  address: 

R.  Hlfred  fowler, 
3  east  Hrmour  Boulevard,  Kansas  City,  Missouri,  €1.  S.  Hi. 


6yt  Libr^n 


The  ex  Libran* 

Tolimie  I,     I^umbcr  3* 


R.  Hlfred  fowler 

Kaiieas  Ctty»  jVItdsoun, 

a  8^  H. 


^otes  on  Booh-ptatee  b^  Gather  and  Lucien  ptssarro; 
and  on  tbeir  Gragny  press  fi^/f^fi^t^^^ 

f  R6NCR  pastoral  scene  wood-engraving  by 
Lucien  and  69ther  pissarro  is  presented  in 
the  first  illustration.  t:be  subject  of  this 
wood-block  is  a  f  rencb,  MiUct-Uhe  landscape 
with  a  shepherdess  in  the  fore-ground,  sheep 
in  the  middle-ground,  and  poplars  ^  hill-sides 
on  the  bach-ground:  forming  a  peculiarly  quiet  pastoral  scene* 

e)V81TeL'\J,  under  a  large  tree,  sits  a  shepherd- 
ess, and  a  mile-stone  nearby  bears  the  owner's  in- 
itials; J*  M.  H.  Mr.  Lucien  pissarro  drew  it  on 
the  block  and  Mrs*  pissarro  followed  his  lines  faith- 
fully* "Che  printing  of  the  original  labels  was  done  by  both 
artists  at  their  hand-press,  a  few  proofs  having  been  struck  in 
different  tints  and  signed  after  Mrs*  pissarro  engraved  and 
stamped  from  a  small  block,  as  a  remarque,  a  tiny  blue-grass 
blade  in  bloom;  copied  from  the  flower  in  her  own  garden* 

n6  Pissarros  have  only  prepared  the  following 
wood-blocks  to  be  used  as  book-plates:  %  M*  H(nd- 
reini),  %  L*  Bensusan,  (Dr*  Ruth  Bensusan),  {X)y») 
Mary  f*  Cassola,  Dr*  "Ch*  6aillard,  Gsther  and 
Lucien  /  pissarro  /  Che  Brook  /  Bammersmith,  &  Isa  'Cayloi^ 
these  being  pi£^orial  designs*  Hn  armorial  design  for  8*  L* 
Bensusan  completes  the  list* 

R.  pissarro  is  not  only  a  wood-engraver  and  a 
printer:  he  is  also  a  painter  in  oils.  I>e  studied 
painting  with  his  father,  Mr.  Camille  pissarro, 
who  passed  away  in  1903,  one  of  the  leading  art- 
ists of  the  famous  f  rench  impressionistic  school*  Mr*  Lucien 
pissarro  paints  in  a  decidedly  impressionistic  style  &  exhibits 
bis  work  frequently  in  London  and  other  large  6uropean  cities* 

1^39 1* 


HMM6R81VHCB  is  a  populous  suburb  of  Lon- 
don. J^ortb  from  the  Cbamcs  about  a  mile  is 
Stanford  Brooft  Lodge  and  its  adjoining  green; 
rounding  the  comer,  one  comes  to  a  small  white  gate 
encased  in  a  four-foot  wall  which  surrounds  the  little  cottage 
called  ***Che  Brooh**  where  the  Sragny  press  has  its  abode  & 
where  its  owners,  Mr.  and  JMro*  pissarro,  welcome  their  clients 
with  true  hospitality. 

f  e^  yards  from  the  gate  is  the  cottage  door  ^ 
upon  entering  the  threshold  one  finds  himself  in  an 
atmosphere  of  art  and  culture.  Hrtistic  works  are 
ever3?where  visible  on  the  walls  and  filling  every 

comer,  while,  through  the  windows,  one  beholds  that  beautiful 

complement  of  real  6nglish  life:  a  garden. 

ROM  the  6ragny  press  there  has  been  issued  a 
number  of  fine  boohs  in  both  6ngli8h  and  f  rench; 
at  first  in  connection  with  Mr.  Charles  Richetts  ^ 
the  Tale  press,  now  extinft,  but  always  with  their 
own  specific  press  name,  Mr.  Richetts  and  the  Tale  having  had 
charge  only  of  the  distribution,  which  is  now  under  the  super- 
vision of  the  owners  themselves. 


^^p^S^  CIR  second  insert  is  one  of  the  illustrations  from 

jlg^jK  publication.  O 

'^^' — ^1  j>ut  from  plates  after  Mr.  Pissarro's  manuscript: 


Queen  of  the  fishes,"  which  was  their  first 
publication.  Chis  booh  was  not  printed  from  type 


both  writing  and  wood-bloch  illustrations  blending  harmon- 
iously. It  is  one  of  the  rarest  —  if  not  the  rarest  —  of  their 
boohs,  its  price  having  ranged  in  catalogues  and  auction  sales 
from  thirty  francs  to  sixty-six  dollars. 

C  CBe  third  insert  is  the  title-page  used  for  **Un  Coeur 
Simple,**  one  of  the  f  rench  stories  for  which  this  press  has 
become  rightfully  noted.  It  is  by  0ustave  f  laubert,  and  the 


^41  ^ 


pi^hire  as  well  as  the  next  page  in  the  booft  are  surrounded  by 
a  border  of  bone3rauehle.  It  is  printed  with  the  Vale  type,  with 
interspersed  wood-bloek  initials  and  clover  decorations.  Che 
Vale  type  was  superseded  in  1903  by  the  **Brooh'*  type,  des- 
igned by  Ml**  Pissarro. 

6V6RHL  distinguishing  features  mark  their 
publications  as  unique  and  interesting  among  the 
issues  of  private  presses.  It  is  not  alone  that  they 
print  their  own  page  on  their  own  press,  on  special 
band-made  paper,  that  constitutes  a  distinctive  claim  for  their 
private  issues;  but  they  also  illustrate  their  boohs  with  decor- 
ation and  otherwise. 

f  Cer^CtMeS  a  book  has  been  published  with 
title-page  in  colours:  the  pissarros  preparing  ad- 
ditional blocks  which,  when  printed  with  varied 
tints,  give  the  title-page  a  very  striking  and  artistic 
appearance.  Che  pissarros  also  design  and  print  the  paper 
covers  with  which  their  books  are  partly  bound.  Such  covers 
are  mostly  decorated  with  flower  designs  in  conventional  style 
and  printed  in  true  colours;  giving  thus  in  printing,  illustrat- 
ing, and  binding  a  decided  personal  touch  to  the  book  —  a  touch 
which  is  generally  absent  from  the  issues  of  many  presses. 

]HD  this  personal  touch  is  that  of  experienced  and 
talented  artists  in  book-making  as  well  as  in  wood- 
engraving  for  book-plates.  It  is  that  touch  of  art- 
•j  istic  personality  which  entitles  the  pissarros  to  — 

and  has  earned  for  them  —  the  esteem  and  appreciation  of  all 

bibliophiles  and  book-plate  lovers. 


New  Xorh,  March,  MCMXII. 


X  M.  Hndreini. 


/*4a/* 


H  JVIemorial  Book-plate* 

N  memory  of  the  soldiers  who  fell  in  defense  of  their 
country  in  the  pbiUipine  Islands  during  the  Spanisb- 
Hmerican  war  there  was  established,  now  some  time 
since,  a  department  in  the  Hmerican  Library,  in  jManila, 
given  to  that  library  by  the  Ohio  Daughters  of  the  Hm- 
erican Re\>olution  and  known  as  the  Ohio  Hleo\>e* 

RIMHRILt  the  Hlco\>e  was  established  in  com- 
memoration of  the  bravery  of  the  men  from  Ohio 
but  the  sentiment  of  the  gift  is  really  an  appropri- 
ate memorial  to  all  of  our  soldiers  who  gave  their 
lives  there.  Hnd  this  sentiment,  implied  by  the  boohs,  is  given 
a  more  tangible  existence  in  the  book-plate  used  to  mark  the 
collection. 

G  are  enabled  to  present  an  original  plate  imp- 
ression of  this  plate,  through  the  kindness  of  an 
ardent  &  enthusiastic  Ohio  Daughter  of  the  Rev- 
olution, Mrs.  Mary  6.  Rath-Merrill  (of  Colum- 
bus), who  was  also  the  designer  of  this  memorial  book-plate. 
"Che  engraving  of  the  copper  was  executed  by  Mi*.  ^.  f  .  Bopson. 

600DLt  sum  was  gathered  for  the  purchase  of 
more  books  for  the  Hlcove  by  the  sale  of  impress- 
ions of  the  plate  to  book-plate  collectors  and  to 
coUeftors  of  Mrs.  Merrill's  designs  and  Mi*.  Bop- 
son's  prints.  Mi*s.  Rath-Merrill  is  the  proud  possessor  of  a 
letter  from  the  late  Gdwin  Davis  f  rench  highly  commending 
the  design  both  as  a  work  of  art  and  as  an  aCt  of  patriotism. 


/*45#* 


<    ,..-^ 


-^'Vvl' 


Y>' 


Cbe  Book-plate  of  JMarie  Hntoinette* 

BIS  ttitcrcsttng  and  beautiful  specimen  has  every 
attraftion  that  appeals  to  collectors,  including  that 
great  rarity,  and  has  been  previously  reproduced 
but  once,  when  it  appeared  in  that  defun^  magazine 
**Cbe  8a\>oy,*'  for  October  1896,  as  an  illustration,  together 
with  the  no  less  rare  plate  of  the  **  Chateau  Royal  de  la  Bast- 
ille,*' without  descriptive  text. 

eXZfyeK  the  late  «lalter  Bamilton  in  bis  two 
worhs,  **french  Booh-plates'*  and  **  Dated  Book- 
plates**? nor  Miss  Labouchere  in  **Ladies*  Book- 
plates,** alludes  to  this  bijou;  and  other  works  upon 
the  subjeft  of  the  libraries  of  ]Marie  Hntoinette  do  not  mention 
it.  8ome  critics,  without  apparent  warrant,  have  asserted  that 
the  engraving  is  not  a  book-plate  but  is  a  frontispiece  to  the 
catalogue  of  the  illustrious  owner*s  first  library?  and  it  is  a  f aft 
that  volumes  from  her  later  coUeftions  that  have  been  preser- 
ved bear  no  other  marks  of  ownership  than  the  armorial  stamps 
upon  the  morocco  covers,  showing  the  Hustrian  shield  beside 
that  of  the  Bourbon  lilies,  accollee. 

]H  the  writer*s  possession  there  is  a  note  written  by 
the  late  Julian  M^i^hall,  who  owned  an  example  of 
the  engraving,  in  which  he  acknowledged  that  he  knew 
not  whether  it  was  a  book-plate  or  a  frontispiece,  or 
had  been  used  as  both.  Secretary  Hndre,  of  the  f  rench  Society 
of  Book-plate  CoUcftors,  suggested  that  the  plate  was  the  fron- 
tispiece to  the  catalogue  of  the  library  of  the  Dauphine;  &  an- 
other f  rench  authority  wrote  that  he  knew  there  was  such  a 
book-plate  but  it  was  so  rare  that  he  had  never  seen  it. 

few  years  ago,  in  New  '^ork,  Messrs.  Scribner 
gave  an  exhibition  of  old  bindings  and  **associat- 
ion  books,**  including  what  was  then  described  as 
a  magnificent  copy,  once  the  property  of  Marie 


Hnto!mtte»  of  the  works  of  ^drottcr^  the  cmimtit  designer 
and  engraver  who  died  in  Tienna  in  1773.  In  Spooner's  Dift- 
ionary,  OTeirotter  is  said  to  have  engraved  a  set  of  twelve  Tiews 
in  Italy,  dedicated  to  the  Hrcbduebess  of  Hustria,  so  that  it 
viN^uld  seem  very  appropriate  for  M^Hc  Hntoinette  to  have  bad 
these  views  in  her  coUc£Vton* 

IRCaMSCHNClHL  evidence  is  at  least  found 
here  that  the  claim  made  at  the  time  of  the  exhibit- 
ion of  the  booh  by  Messrs  ♦  Scribner  bad  other  basis 
than  the  presence  in  the  volume  of  her  beautiful  ex 
librist  as  Daupbine,  designed  and  engraved  by  6isen.  "Che  booh 
would  seem  to  identify  itself  as  well  as  that  the  engraving  is 
a  book-plate*  "Che  inscription  on  the  plate,  "Bibliotheque  /  de 
Mc  la  Dauphine  /  No.  1  .**  would  surely  indicate  that  it  is  a  book- 
plate,  although  it  might,  with  propriety,  have  been  used  as  a 
frontispiece  to  a  catalogue  of  her  library,  and  could  have  been 
bound  in  as  a  booh-plate  frontispiece  in  other  volumes ;  for  other 
owners  of  boohs  have  so  bound  in  their  ex  libris. 

N  itself  the  booh-plate  fits  into  many  classes  for  it  is 
a  piAure  plate,  a  portrait  plate,  a  signed  plate,  and  a 

IjyJ  dated  plate.  Moreover,  it  is  the  plate  of  an  illustrious 
\t\  owner  by  a  great  artist,  and  claims  our  s>mipathy  as 
well  as  our  admiration.  "Che  young  Hustrienne,  then 
but  a  girl  of  fifteen,  became  the  bride  of  the  Dauphin 
the  year  of  the  date  of  the  plate,  1770,  and  the  name  of  the 
artist,  Charles  6isen,  is  again  connected  with  hers  that  same 
year  in  the  congratulatory  poem  of  Dorat  upon  her  marriage, 
called  the  Month  of  May  (du  Mois  de  Mai)»  which  preceded  **Le8 
Baisers^  in  the  little  volume  then  printed  and  now  so  eagerly 
sought  by  collectors  because  of  the  6isen  engravings. 

JH  the  book-plate  the  young  bride,  drawn  to  the  life 
and  in  the  costume  of  the  period,  stands  in  a  group 
of  handmaids  of  the  arts,  one  of  whom  tenders  her 
a  volume,  while  hovering  in  the  air  above  a  winged 


goddese  holds  the  mirroi*  up  to  nature »  and  the  cbaHot  of  the 
gods,  with  its  steeds,  rests  upon  a  eloud  of  light*  Garlands  sur- 
round and  are  intertwined  with  the  frame  and  the  forms  of  the 
nymphs,  and  there  are  no  suggestions  of  that  direful  day  twen- 
ty three  years  later,  when  shorn  of  all  earthly  honours  &  all  that 
she  had  cherished,  she  was  ignominiously  carted  to  the  guillot- 
ine to  pay  the  last  penalty  that  brutality  could  wrest  from  a 
life  crowned  with  every  sorrow. 

f  ranh  6*  M^rshalL 


Book-pUte  of  the  6arl  of  JVIoray. 

Be  booft-plate  of  the  earl  of  Moray  from  a  wood 
block  designed  and  executed  by  Mr*  Graham  "^fohn- 
ston.  Bis  Majesty's  Beraldic  Hrtist  at  the  Court 
of  the  Lord  Lyon,  edinburgh,  presented  herewith, 
is  a  remarkable  handling  of  an  heraldic  achiei^ement  in  wood& 
also  marhs  an  interesting  trend  in  modem  english  design. 

^^1^^  R.  Johnston  has  designed  and  executed  many  booft- 
■/niKTill  plates  in  other  mediums  as  well  as  in  that  of  the 
wood-blocft.  Most  of  them  are,  of  course,  of  an 
heraldic  nature  and  are  all  faultlessly  accurate  in 
this  respeft  as  they  would  naturally  be  when  designed  by  one 
in  Mr*  Johnston's  position  at  the  Court  of  the  Lord  Lyon. 


/^^J^ 


wwnnmTiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiimiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii iimiiiiiiiiiiiiii iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii  i 


■••iHnmmmfff>ifffn>mmnm«n«niw«<miffttn 


^  Che  ex  Libran  /«? 

ff  occasional  magazine  devoted  to  booft-pbtes,  bib- 
Kopbilism,  and  art;  edited  and  publiebed  by  D. 
Hlfred  f  owlei*  ^  Hddress  all  businesa  and  edit- 
orial communications  to  the  editor^  3  6a9t  Hrm- 
our  Boulevard,  Kansas  City,  Missouri,  CI.  8.  H.,  ^  Sub- 
scriptions $2.00  per  volume  of  four  numbers;  single  copies 
will  not  be  circulated  separately  ^  Literary  contributions 
will  be  gladly  considered  for  publication,  j^  ^  j^  /^  /^  /^  /^ 


JSf  article  on  the  art  of  Maxfield  parrisb  appeared 
in  **Che  Century**  for  luly.  Hmong  the  illustrat- 
ions were  some  two  or  three  of  bis  booh-plates; 
t3^ical  examples  of  bis  delightful  ^  characteristic 
work.  Mr.  parrish  will  not  accept  commissions  for  the  execut- 
ion of  book-plates,  evidently  doing  the  few  that  are  in  existence 
as  a  recreation.  Xt  is  to  be  hoped,  however,  that  he  will  at  some 
time  in  the  future  turn  his  hand  in  this  field  of  art  and  grace 
it  with  a  number  of  examples  of  his  pleasing  originality. 

n6R6  should  be  issued,  in  the  near  future,  the 
long-promised  volume  on  the  life  and  work  of  the 
late  Charles  <{[illiam  Sherbom  written  by  his  son, 
Charles  Davies  Sherbom.  Messrs.  6llis,  of  Lon- 
don, have  announced  the  book,  '^Co  be  published  in  Hutumn, 
1912**;  525  copies  only  will  be  printed  and  issued  at  twelve 
shillings  six.  One  remark  in  the  prospe£his,  in  particular,  lends 
much  to  our  anticipation  of  the  book,  **<mth  three  portraits 
and  three  book-plates  from  the  original  coppers." 

]V  interesting  phase  of  the  making  of  book-plates 
is  treated  of  in  the  September  number  of  **Che 
<iCloman*s  Rome  Companion,**  the  article  being  en- 
titled, ^Book-plates  for  Girls,**  and  being  devoted 

<*5«  /* 


to  amateur  produAions  with  the  aid  of  a  camera.  "Che  eubjeft 
is  presented  in  good  form  and  will  doubtless  lead  to  many  in- 
teresting experiments. 

T>6  value  of  book-plates  has  long  been  a  variable 
quantity  but  there  seems  now  to  exist  at  least  one 
proof  that  they  do  have  some  value.  One  of  our  large 
National  banhs^  the  first  of  Boston,  recently  ad- 
vertised their  safe  deposit  vaults  for  the  storage  of  book-plates 
among  other  valuables.  Hnd  it  is  true  enough  that  all  of  us 
have  examples  in  our  coUeftions  with  which  we  would  not  part 
for  the  proverbial  **pretty  penny.** 


^^^^^  UK  article  in  this  issue  upon  the  6ragny  press 
■^SJil  ^^^  ^  *"  effort  in  the  line  of  carrying  out  our  prom- 
Jl^^W^  ise  to  devote  t^he  Gx  Libran  to  bibliophilism  as 
'^^^^^i  ^ei(  jie  to  book-plates  although  the  latter  come  in 
for  a  good  share  of  mention  in  connexion  with  the  work  of  the 
pissarros.  "Co  coUeftors  of  the  Doves  and  Kelmscott  press 
books  those  issued  by  'Che  6ragny  press  will  be  familiar  and 
for  anyone  not  familiar  with  them  there  is  indeed  a  pleasure 
in  store. 

CIMM6R  has  been,  as  usual,  dull  for  coUeftors 
but,  again  **as  usual,**  we  are  optimistic  for  the 
near  future  and  believe  that  the  exchange  of  book- 
plates will  again  come  into  popularity:  to  say  no- 
thing of  the  more  important  consideration  of  the  continued 
produ^Hon  of  artistic  examples.  Che  latter  does  not,  however, 
usually  suffer  such  periods  of  relaxation.  In  the  years  to  come 
there  will,  indeed,  be  a  multitude  of  worthy  examples  for  which 
coUeAors  will  enter  into  friendly  competition  and  the  pastime 
will  probably  be  followed  by  many  more  than  at  present. 


/*5*/* 


^     XTbe    ex  Libran     ^ 

Hdvertising  Bupptetnent 

R.  Hlfrcd  fowler,  editor, 
3  east  Hrmour  Boulevard,  Kansas  City,  Mo.»  ^*  8»  H. 


THERE  will  be  issued,  in  the  next  few  months,  a  book 
entitled  LINCOLNIANA  BOOK-PLATES.  It  will 
have  an  especially  engraved  title-page,  original  plate  im- 
pressions in  illustration,  and  text  by  authorities  on  *'Lin- 
colniana^*;  limited  to  500  copies  on  hand-made  paper.  C. 
The  work  should  prove  of  quite  as  much  interest  to  col- 
lectors of  Lincolmana  as  to  collectors  of  book-plates*  De- 
tailed information  concerning  the  book  may  be  had,  when 
ready,  from:  H.  Alfred  Fowler,  3  East  Armour  Boule- 
vard, Kansas  Qty,  Missouri,  U*  S.  A. 


/^  Catalogue  of  ^ooo  Book-plates  /? 

fi  post-free  to  any  part  of  the  ^orld  /^ 

H  Dollar  pachct  of  20  Booh-platest  cbtppendalc,  twcatb  & 

ribbon,  piftorial,  library  interior,  armorial,  &  other  varieties — 

all  genuine  epecimens,  mailed  free  on  receipt  of  money  order. 

Book-plates  of  any  particular  family  JSame  sent  on  approval. 

Sdmund  Lister, 

104  Manchester  Street,  Oldham,  6ngland* 


^    Co  the  Lover  of  Book-plates    /»? 

^  <iClc  prqjare  designs  for  Book-plates  which  can  be  executed 
by  any  of  the  various  methods  ^  T!^he  designers  &  engravers 
employed  by  us  for  this  worh  are  Masters  of  their  Craft  and 
have  had  experience  in  carr>>ing  out,  intelligently  and  sympath- 
etically, the  suggestions  submitted  to  us  for  elabouration. 


17! 


(A- 


^  mc  tahe  pleasure  in  conferring  by  letter  with  anyone  desir- 
ing to  secure  a  book-plate  and  in  showing  specimens  of  book- 
plates designed  and  engraved  by  us  ^  Detailed  information 
willingly  given  ^  Correspondence  solicited. 

peter  paul  ^  8oti, 

Hrt  Stationers  and  engravers, 
1 36  North  pearl  Street,  Buffalo,  New  XorU. 


To  the  Subscribers  of  The  Ex  Libran: 
C  With  the  next  issue  of  THE  EX  LIBRAN  there  will 
be  presented  a  supplement  entitled,  '*The  Ex  Libran  Sub- 
scribers' Exchange  List/'  C.  The  aim  of  this  supplement 
will  be  to  furnish  a  medium  for  furthering  the  exchange 
of  book-plates  between  subscribers  to  the  publication*  C. 
The  name  and  address  of  the  subscriber  will  be  inserted 
at  a  minimum  charge  of  50  cents  and  2  cents  per  word 
additional  will  be  charged  for  any  exchange  notice  the  sub- 
scriber may  wish  to  have  follow  the  name  and  address. 
This  charge  is  based  upon  the  actual  cost  of  composition 
and  printing.  C.  All  exchange  notices,  accompanied  by  re- 
mittance of  check  or  money  order,  must  be  in  the  editor's 
hands  before  November  fifteenth,  1912,  in  order  to  be  in 
time  for  publication.  The  Editor. 


Book-plates 

Coat8-of-ami9,    Crests^  and  Librai^  plated, 
Designed  and  6ngraved 

George   jMoore, 

67  Seals  8trcct, 
BrookUne,    JMadsachusettd* 


The  Sx  Libran* 

Tolimie  I,     J^imiber  -!♦ 


n.  Hlfred  fowler 
Kansas  Cit)',  ]Mt8sourt> 

a  8.  n. 


Booh-plate8  by  Hrtbur  )^^  JMacdonald* 


KVfMlK  N*  Macdonald,  who  engraved  the 
beautiful  title-page  that  graced  the  initial  num- 
ber of  *Xhe  ex  Libran/*  is  one  of  the  fore- 
most engravers  of  copper-plate  in  this  eountry. 
fyt  is  possibly  unique  in  that  bis  exquisite  wo- 
rh  is  done  wholly  with  the  burin,  or  graver, 
without  etching,  and  entirely  without  mechanical  ruling*  'Che 
softness  of  background  and  the  velvets  of  shading  that  disting- 
uish his  book-plates  are  done  in  free-hand  with  none  of  that  ad- 
mixture of  photography,  machim-niltng,  and  geometrical  lathe 
work  that  has  entered  into  engraving  until  about  the  only  rem- 
nants of  the  old  art  are  the  card,  announcement,  &  invitation 
work  of  the  stationers. 

BeRe  was  a  time  when  every  engraver  was  an  art- 
ist A  the  prints  from  the  plates  he  loved  were  works 
of  art  to  be  cherished*  Chen  he  made  his  own  design 
and  cut  it  in  the  copper,  watching  it  grow,  line  by 
line,  until,  after  weeks  of  painstaking  effort  it  took  shape  — 
and  there  was  the  **Hdam  and  Gve**  of  Durer,  of  blessed  mem- 
ory; or  one  of  the  exquisite  little  plates  of  the  Beham  brothers, 
entwined  with  scroll  where  chubby  little  Dutch  cupids  climbed 
about;  or  the  produ£^  was  one  of  the  wonderful  portraits  of 
ffanteuil;  or  the  expression  of  essence  of  the  art  of  the  Drevets. 

NLX  att  artist  can  emulate  the  work  of  these  men 
—  an  artist  in  the  true  sense  of  the  word — one  who 
adores  his  work*  for  him  there  must  be  no  entity 
called  Cime  except  that  measured  by  his  best  ap- 
proach to  perfection*  Over  a  single  line  he  toils  patiently,  making 
it  deeper  or  wider,  sometimes  effacing  days  of  work  &  doing 
it  all  over  again  until  the  best  of  his  artistic  soul  has  been  put 
into  the  copper.  Hnd  then,  when  the  plate  is  done,  he  can  see 


^55^ 


where  it  might  be  bctto*  and  begins  the  next  with  a  freeb  re- 
solve  TO  express  greater  beauty. 

"C  is  in  this  spirit  that  Mr.  jMacdonald  does  his  worh. 
I  looh  bach  to  the  first  plate,  comparatively  crude, 
the  Dr.  George  Machie  with  its  floriated  design  and 
beehive,  indicative  of  the  tastes  of  the  owner,  A  see 
where  years  of  unremitting  toil  and  broader  outlooh  upon  the 
field  of  design,  of  ever-growing  mastery  of  execution  by  a  hand 
skilled  even  at  the  first,  have  builded  up  that  artistry  that  has 
given  us  such  plates  as  the  f  rederich  "C.  proftor,  the  Hlfred  ^ 
Irene  Dupont,  the  George  Lauder  Carnegie,  and  the  Mary  Rus- 
sell Perkins. 

IKe  the  late  edwin  Davis  french,  Mn  Macdonald 
was  a  designer  and  engraver  of  silverware  before  he 
realized  the  possibilities  of  copper,  and  it  was  there 
that  his  hand  got  its  initial  firmness  and  delicacy 
of  touch  and  that  he  became  familiar  with  the  fine  ornament 
that  is  woven  into  so  many  of  his  plates.  Between  him  AMn 
french  there  existed  the  warmest  of  friendship  dating  from 
the  time  they  first  met  in  1898.  Mi*»  french  was  visiting  his 
old  home  in  North  Httleboro  and  at  that  time  and  dunng  his 
stay,  Mr.  Macdonald,  who  lived  in  Httleboro,  was  with  him 
nearly  cvtry  day,  watching  him  worh  and  ashing  questions  that 
were  always  cheerfully  answered. 

f  CeR  this  many  letters  passed  between  the  two 
men;  letters  filled  with  a  richness  of  criticism  &  ad- 
vice illustrated  with  sketches  by  Mf.  f  rench  show- 
3  ing  how  to  correft  and  improve  some  bit  of  orn- 
ament. Hnd  as  long  as  Mi*»  f  rench  lived  every  plate  that  Mi*. 
Macdonald  made  was  sent  to  him  for  criticism  and  it  is  to  this 
influence  &  aid  that  Macdonald  feels  largely  indebted  for  his 
ability  to  engrave  copper-plate. 
CI^S  men  had  much  in  common:  both  used  the  same  style  of 


^57^ 


omamcnt;  both  went  to  the  Gemnan  tnastera  for  tbdi*  itispli*- 
atton;  both  were  designers  of  distinction*  't^et  Mr*  Macdonald 
bas  not  copied  Mr»  f  rencb,  but  bas  used  tbe  ornament  witb 
wbicb  be  was  long  familiar  as  a  silver  engraven  Bis  designs  are 
distinctively  original  but  for  treatment  of  tbem  be  bas  studied 
tbe  work  of  Mr.  f  rencb  at  bis  best;  studied  bim  as  one  studies 
tbe  old  masters  in  tbe  galleries  of  6urope. 

JZ  seems  to  me,  knowing  H.  N.  Macdonald,  tbe  man  ii 
Y/  workman,  comparing  bis  acbievement  of  today  witb  bis 
work  of  a  few  years  ago  tbat  be  bas  arrived  —  a  master 
of  **media'*—  adequate  in  interpreting  tbe  wealtb  of  or- 
iginal design  springing  up  constantly  in  bis  mind,  and 
tbat  be  is  an  artist  from  wbom  we  can  reasonably  ex- 
pert new  and  fruitful  acbievement. 
Boston.  M*  H.  ^. 


''Cbe  Life  A  Olorh  of  C.  d.  Sherbom.'' 


^^  M*  Cbarles  Davies  Sberbom  and  George  Beatb 
'vw  Ytner  bave  just  issued,  tbrougb  tbeir  publisbers, 
W  tbe  Sberbom  Memorial  book  under  tbe  above-men - 
^  tioned  title*  "Cbe  material  contained  in  tbe  complete 
lists  (arranged  cbronologically)  of  tbe  late  artist's  work:  lists 
of  bis  paintings  and  miscellaneous  etcbings  and  engravings,  as 
well  as  of  bis  book-plates,  will  prove  invaluable  to  collectors 
gatbering  bis  prints  in  a  sj^tematic  manner. 

lOeRHpBICHLL't  tbe  book  is  most  interesting 
and  tbe  six  illustrations  are  well  cbosen  but  it  is, 
to  one  wbo  admires  a  well  made  book,  a  disappoint- 
ment. "Cbe  typograpby  is  poor  and  wbat  witb  tbe 
use  of  a  paper  of  quite  inferior  quality  tbe  general  appearance 
of  tbe  book  is  not  good.  Hs  a  reference  work,  bowever,  tbe  vol- 
ume will  supply  a  real  need  ^  will  be  very  welcome  to  all  ad- 
mirers of  tbe  late  artist's  prints. 


Che  Gvolution  of  a  Boob-plate^ 

BOOK-LOTeR,  otic  who  \ovce  a  booh  as  well  for 
it9  garb  and  decoration  as  for  its  wealth  of  wis- 
dom, finds  a  special  delight  in  those  often  dainty 
and  generally  charming  headings  to  chapters  where 
the  initial  letter  has  its  **encadrement'*  of  decorative  design,  or 
of  some  graphic  incident  of  the  text  underneath  or  having  some 
bearing  on  the  initial  itself*  "Che  books  of  the  f  rench  presses 
of  the  later  17th  A  early  18th  centuries  abounded  in  such  dec- 
oration and  upon  it  were  often  engaged  artists  of  eminence  who 
have,  with  true  artistic  spirit,  not  disdained  to  exercise  their 
talent  on  such  relative  trifles.  Of  such  artists  in  **taille  douce** 
especially  were  Callot,  De  La  Bella,  and  Le  Clerc* 

]Ve  of  those  men  who  give  to  friendship  its  name 
and  who  mahe  of  the  word  a  kinship  almost  as  pow- 
jMg-^IJW  erful  as  is  to  be  found  in  the  other  word.  Love,  as 
'^^> — ^1  denoting  the  closest  of  human  bonds  &  affections 


was,' twenty  years  ago,  the  loohed-for  and  valued  visitant  on 
the  one  day  of  the  week  which  had  not  the  business  calls  and 
cares  of  the  other  days — 8unday  morning  finding  him  frequent- 
ly with  me.  On  one  of  these  visits  he  brought  with  him  a  little 
packet  of  old  engraved  copper  plates  which  he  had  lately  acquired 
and  he  wanted,  out  of  my  ignorance,  to  assist  his  own  as  to 
their  origin  and  history.  One  of  them  was  an  early  copy  of  one 
of  the  many  etchings  by  Hlbert  Durer  of  the  Tirgin  and  Child 
and  another  a  hardly  used  copy  of  a  Beham  etching,  but  what 
revealed  themselves  at  once  were  about  a  dozen  small  coppers 
with  initial  letters  and  with  lightly  indicated  backgrounds,  in 
the  style  of  Callot,  which  I  at  once  put  to  the  credit  of  Le  Clerc. 
C  was  in  the  palmy  days  of  ex  libris  in  6ngland  A 
of  its  Society  -  the  idea  came  simultaneously,  **Cnhat 
jolly  book-plates  they  would  make!**  -  and  invention 
began  to  get  expression.  'Che  one  which  came  first 


under  dtscussfoti  was  the  inttlat  **f**  which  naturally  suggest- 
ed the  name  of  an  ardent  coUe6^or  of  ex  Itbrts  and  a  worthy 
friend  of  us  both.  "Chere  was  the  initial  and  presently  appeared 
the  figure  of  a  finch  (sparrows  are  finches)  perched  at  the  ex- 
tremity of  the  longer  horizontal  limb  of  the  letter  and,  pendant, 
the  true  effigy  of  a  ham!  tQhat  could  be  more  in  evidence? 
finch-ham  —  **Toila  tout!**  H  few  days  later,  in  the  hands  of  a 
sftilf ul  engraver  with  the  correft  feeling  for  the  technique  of  the 
original,  these  additions  were  graven  on  the  copper  ^  the  name 
f>.  ^*  fincham  in  eharafters  of  the  period  appeared  on  the  pun- 
ning picture. 

ROOfS  were  pulled  on  old  fly  leaves  of  suitable 
paper  and  so  ended  Hft  I  of  the  Comedy.  H  **little 
brown  booh**  was  found  of  the  correft  date  as  to 
binding,  circa  1 865,  and  on  its  inner  cover  duly  ap- 
peared the  **fahe**  which  bore  such  a  faithful  vraisemblance  to 
the  genuine  article  as  to  satisfy  even  the  eleft.  "Chen  a  letter 
was  conco^led  and  signed  ^Ralph  Bigginbotham**  from  Clpper 
ISorwood,  I  thinh,  offering  f  incham  the  little  booh  as  possibly 
of  interest  to  him  as  it  contained  what  appeared  to  be  an  early 
book-plate  and  bearing  his  name  —  end  of  Hft  XX* 

f^  due  course  a  letter  of  thanhs  was  sent  to  this  Biggin- 
botham by  the  grateful  recipient,  but  the  letter  never 
reached  that  gentleman,  as  he  could  not  be  found  at  Clp- 
per T^orwood  or  anywhere  else  hnown  to  the  postmast- 
er General  and  bach  it  came  to  the  sender.  H  few  days 
later  there  ensued  a  meeting  of  the  Council  of  the  Gx 
Libris  Society  and  the  little  booh  &  its  booh-plate  was  exhib- 
ited becoming  the  objeft  of  some  envy  by  those  who  had  never 
seen  the  plate  before  or  ever  heard  of  it,  and  an  enthusiast  on 
the  Council,  now  alas  gone  where  book-plates  troubleth  not, 
made  a  bid  of  a  guinea  for  the  booh  which  was,  of  course,  de- 
clined by  its  owner. 

^  60  ^ 


^^  tJ  dear  old  frtend 'Janice  Roberts  Brown,  now  also 
If  jotiwd  the  majority,  who  was  tny  accompltee  in  this 
fl  pious  fraud,  was  the  soul  of  candour  and  of  court- 
^  csy;  he  could  not  bear  the  thought  of  any  serious 
deception  being  rampant  even  in  the  little  world  of  book-plates, 
and  so  the  story  was  told  in  all  of  its  amusing  detail  of  con- 
ception dt  execution.  "Co  make  amends  to  jMr.  f  incham  the  cop- 
per was  presented  to  him  ^  X  have  since  occasionally  met  with 
impressions  in  collections.  It  is  a  pretty  plate  and  is  admir- 
ably suited  to  its  purpose. 

Be  coppers  of  the  other  initials  were  some  of  them 
advanced  to  the  same  use  after  the  needful  work  had 
been  engraved  upon  them  by  the  late  Mr.  8herbom 
who  knew  the  story  and  who  shared  the  fun  of  the 
moment  which  it  created.  "Chis  incident  was  surely  harmless 
in  its  results  and  it  made  for  the  camaraderie  of  a  small  Soc- 
iety which  did  its  work  well  and  expired  only  when  that  work 
was  done. 

6eo.  Clulow. 

(Hpropos  of  this  article  it  is  interesting  to  note  the  remarks 
with  reference  to  the  fincham  plate  in  the  recently  issued  8her- 
bom  Memorial  in  which  the  author  says,  **—  and  can  not  say 
positively  that  it  is  his  work.  ]Vo  sketch,  proof,  print,  or  ref- 
erence to  the  plate  can  be  found  among  Mr.  Sherboim's  possess- 
ions.** "Che  authenticity  of  the  plate  has  now  been  established, 
however,  by  Mr.  Clulow  who  has  proofs  of  various  '^states" 
in  his  possession.  —  ed.) 


^61  ^ 


Hn  Hmericati  Book-plate  Society* 


B6  increasing  interest  in  booft-plates  shown  in 
Hmerica  during  the  past  two  years  has  created 
a  necessity  for  the  organization  of  an  Hmer- 
ican  Boott-plate  Society,  which  shall  have  a  nat- 
ional significance*  'Che  need  seems  obvious  in- 
deed to  all  who  have  considered  the  subject. 

Be  larger  majority  of  those  interested  in  this  most 
fascinating  subject  of  book-plates  already  know  of 
the  thriving  existence  of  the  Gx  Libris  Society  ab- 
road. "Che  ex  Libris  Terein  of  Berlin  is  worthy  of 
special  note  as  being  especially  auspicious,  and  its  publications 
are  worhs  of  intense  interest  to  the  recipients.  Societies  for 
the  coUeftors  and  lovers  of  booh-plates  in  f  ranee,  Hustria,  It- 
aly, and  Switzerland  have  also  come  into  favor,  and  I  am  in- 
formed that  the  english  Society  is  soon  to  be  revived  under 
new  leadership.  Hs  to  a  jSational  Society  in  Hmerica,  X  sincere- 
ly believe  in  its  organization  and  in  its  after  success. 

"C  present  there  is,  in  California,  a  prosperous  little 
society  with  all  of  its  members  intensely  interest- 
ed in  booh-plates.  Chere  is,  in  this  organization, 
a  sense  of  intimacy  and  comradeship  which  is  the 
result  of  the  comparatively  small  number  of  members  ^  their 
occasional  meetings.  It  is  largely  from  the  suggestions  of  one 
of  their  amiable  leaders,  Mr.  Sheldon  Cheney,  that  X  have  even 
dared  start  upon  this  new  tash  of  organization  —  and  it  is  in- 
deed seeming  to  become  one  of  magnitude.  It  seems  better,  up- 
on consideration,  that  this  new  Society  should  not  be  built  up- 
on the  old,  although  it  is  already  apparent  that  the  majority  of 
the  members  of  the  old  society  are  eager  to  become  members 
of  the  newer  one  as  well. 


^6z^ 


'C  is  my  wieb,  and  has  become  my  endeavor,  to  eecui^  a 
meeting  of  all  tboee  interested  in  tbe  organization  of 
9ucb  a  society  sometime  during  January,  In  tbe  mean- 
wbile  I  am  working  over  tbe  subjeft  and  am  taking  tbis 
opportunity  to  ash  all  tbe  readers  of  "Cbe  Gx  Libran 
wbo  find  tbis  of  interest  to  please  communicate  tpitb 
me.  1  sball  esteem  it  an  especial  favor  wbicb  will  receive  my 
closest  attention  to  gain  any  suggestions  wbicb  may  be  offer- 
ed. "Cbe  co-operation  of  everyone  interested  is,  of  course,  wbat 
is  essential  above  all  if  success  is  to  be  boped  for. 

Princeton,  New  Jcvocy*  Clifford  N»  Carver. 

(In  connection  witb  tbis  announcement  by  Mi*.  Carver  it  is  in- 
teresting to  note  anotber  evidence  of  bis  book-plate  entbusiasm 
—  bis  recently  publisbed,  **Book-plates  of  Princeton  &  prince- 
tonians**  wbicb  is  in  every  way  a  wortby  successor  of  bis  form- 
er effort,  **Book-plates  of  ^ell-known  Hmericans."  —  ed.) 

^  Che  Gx  Libran  ^ 

IS  occasional  magazine  devoted  to  book-plates,  bib- 
liopbilism,  and  art;  edited  and  publisbed  by  I^* 
Hlfred  fowler  ^  Hddress  all  business  and  edit- 
orial communications  to  tbe  editor,  3  Cast  Hrm- 
our  Boulevard,  Kansas  City,  Missouri,  CI.  8.  H.,  <♦  Sub- 
scription: $2.00  per  volume  of  four  numbers;  single  copies 
will  not  be  circulated  separately  ^  Literary  contributions 
will  be  gladly  considered  for  publication.  /^  ^  j^  /^  /^  /^  /^ 


^X)  so  we  are  to  bave  an  Hmerican  Gx  Libris  Soc- 
iety of  National  importance  at  last!  Not  tbat  tbe 
little  California  Society  bas  been  of  no  importance 
]  but  it  bas  been  really  useful  only  to  its  very  limit- 
ed number  of  members,  eisewbere  in  tbis  issue  will  be  found 


Ml**  Carver's  annouiKcment  that  be  is  wiHing  to  come  forward 
and  take  a  leading  part  in  the  organization  of  a  national  society 
devoted  to  book-plates  and  we  but  wisb  bim  every  success  witb 
tbe  undertaking* 

'C  is  to  be  boped  tbat  be  will  meet  witb  a  bearty  re- 
sponse from  all  of  our  interested  readers  —  bis  cause 
is  certainly  a  wortby  one  and  one,  if  we  but  stop  to 
consider  it,  tbat  we  sbould  be  grateful  to  bim  for 
undertaking  to  guide  to  success  for  us.  "Cbe  meeting  ]Mr.  Car- 
ver proposes  bolding  seems  tbe  logical  way  in  wbicb  to  form- 
ulate tbe  constitution  of  tbe  Society  and  it  migbt  be  well  for 
tbose  unable  to  attend  tbe  meeting  to  write  out  tbeir  views  at 
lengtb  and  send  tbem  to  JMr.  Carver  for  consideration  tbereat. 
OR  sometime  tbe  necessity  for  giving  up  tbe  pub- 
lication of  ''Cbe  6x  Libran**  bas  been  apparent  to 
your  editor.  JVot  tbat  be  is  tired  of  tbe  work  con- 
nected witb  personally  attending  to  every  detail, 
even  to  setting  tbe  t>>pe,  sewing  tbe  covers,  and  pasting  tbe  in- 
serts, but  be  simply  finds  tbat  circumstances  will  not  permit 
of  bis  devoting  so  mucb  of  bis  time  to  tbe  work  bereaf ter.  80 
tbere  is  anotbcr  reason  for  our  being  so  optimistic  about  ]Mr. 
Carver's  proposed  society —  it  will  keep  alive  a  publication  in 
tbe  englisb  language  devoted  to  book-plates,  wbicb  we  would 
not  otberwise  bave  after  this  issue  of  Cbe  Gx  Libran. 

3  OCIR  editor  will,  bowever,  still  be  in  communication 
witb  bis  friends  tbrougb  **Cbe  Biblio"  witb  wbicb 


%  be  intends  to  succeed  Cbe  Gx  Libran.  Cbe  new  mag- 
azine will  be  devoted  more  to  bookisb  interests  but 
will  present  many  articles  of  interest  to  book-plate  coUeftors 
and  admirers,  tbe  difference  being  tbat  it  will  be  **e88entially" 
devoted  to  bibliology  instead  of  simply  to  book-plates.  In  a 
supplement  to  tbis  issue  full  details  of  tbe  new  venture  will  be 
set  fortb  and  tbe  editor  will  be  bappy  to  see  tbe  enrollment  of 
all  possible  of  Cbe  6x  Libran's  subscribers. 

^64^ 


T  ia  indeed  with  great  regret  that  be  gives  up  "Che  6x 
Libran  for  it  baa  truly  been  a  great  pleasure  —  simply 
"^|[(^  an  ideal  pastime  but  one  that  grew  to  sucb  proportions 
^ilk^  tbat  it  became  unwieldy*  Hnd  so,  after  again  expressing 
bis  appreciation  to  all  of  bis  hind  friends  (wbicb  same 
appreciation  be  bas  endea\)oured  to  express  to  tbem, 
beretofore,  from  time  to  time)  wbo  bave  tahen  sucb  an  active 
interest  in  tbe  welfare  of  tbis  little  effort,  au  revoir  —  but  to 
meet  again  tbrougb  Cbe  Biblio,  let  us  bope! 


^65^ 


Index* 


"Bfttmoon  with  Mv*  Sbcrbom^  Hn  25. 

Htitotnettc^  'Cbc  Booh-pUte  of  JMaric  47. 

Hrcbbisbop's  I>ou8c,  Boston  20* 

Book-pUtc^  H  Memorial  45. 

Booft-plate.»  'Che  6volutioii  of  a  59. 

Book-plates*,  Impressionistic  1 3. 
6x  Libran*,  tH^c  14»  35,  51,  63. 
f  rencb*,  edwin  Davis  5* 

Hunt.,  "Cbe  Book-plate  of  Isaac  17. 

Macdonald*,  Boob-plates  by  Hrtbur  N.  55. 

Moray*,  Book-plate  of  tbe  Sari  of  49. 
Notes  upon  a  CoUeftion  of  Book-plates  by  Cbarles  <miliam 

Sberbom,  R.  6.  27* 
pissarro.,  Notes  on  Book-plates  by  Bstber  it  Lucien  — 

and  on  tbeir  6ra^y  press  39* 

8berbom*,  Cbarles  William  23* 

''Sberbom*,  t:be  Life  ^t  «lork  of  C.  m,**  58. 

Society.,  Hn  Hmcrican  Book-plate  62. 

Strickland,  Hrcbitea*,  William  1 9* 

Index  to  Illustrations* 

H(ndreini)*,  %  M.  38. 

Hntoinctte.,  Marie  46. 

Curran*,  Pauline  6amer  12. 
6a8tbrook.,  Ofobn  4. 

**ex  Libran.,  Zht"  3. 

(f  isbes..  Queen  of  Vhc)  40* 

Hunt.,  Isaac  17. 

Metcalf.,  f  lorence  H«  56* 

Moray.  50. 

^67^ 


Ohio  Hlcovc  Mcmoml  Library.  44. 

preston.^  Georgia  M*  6. 

proftor.,  f  rcdcrich  XZ,  /  Rachel  M.  W«  54» 

Quillcr-Coucb.,  (Sir)  Hrtbur  65. 

Sbcrborti.,  In  Mcmoriam  Cbarles  ^iQiUiain  2Z* 

Sbo'bom  Bomc  —  London*  34. 

(Simple,  Un  Cocur)  42* 

Stricftland*,  ^.  18. 

Qlilltama.,  lobn  Sbelton  8. 


C  Cbe  Gx  Libran,  printed  by  various  presses  in  the 
city  of  Kansas  City,  in  the  state  of  JVIissouri,  under 
the  supervision  of  and  from  type  set  A  arranged  by 
the  editor.  Chis  fourth  number  of  the  first  volume 
completes  the  entire  publication.  ^  ^  ^  ^^  /?  ^  /? 


w 


/^b^^ 


^     Zhc    Gx  Libran     /^ 

Hdvertietng  8uppteiiieiit 

B.  Hlfrcd  fowler,  editor, 
3  6a8t  Hrmoui*  Boulevard,  Kansas  City,  Mo.«  d.  8.  H. 


THE  BIBLIO. 


ft  An  occasional  magazine  devoted  to  books  —  bibliology, 
bibliophilism,  bibliopegy  —  and  kindred  subjects  of  inter- 
est to  bibliophiles* 

C  In  succeeding  The  Ex  Libran  with  this  publication  it 
will  be  our  aim  to  cover  a  field  now  not  dwelt  upon  to  any 
appreciable  extent  —  the  truly  fine  and  rare  books* 
C  Subscription  price:  $2.00  per  volume  of  four  numbers* 
Single  copies  50  cents  each* 
C  Kindly  address  all  communications  to  the  editor: 

THE   BIBLIO, 

H*  Alfred  Fowler,  Editor, 

3  East  Armour  Boulevard, 

Kansas  Gty,  Missouri,  U*  S*  A* 

THE  EX  LIBRAN* 
C  With  this  fourth  issue  of  The  Ex  Libran  subscribers' 
files  should  all  be  complete  in  four  numbers*  As  the  pub- 
lication will  no  longer  be  issued  some  may  desire  duplicate 
sets  of  this  first  and  only  volume  and  a  few  such  sets  are 
still  obtainable  from  the  editor  at  subscription  price — $2.00 


f^  Gothic  Book-plates  ^ 

/^  *' Being  certain  passages  from  Xhe  feature  of 
Gothic*  hy  'John  Ruskin,  and  certain  Book-plates 
by  Bertha  6orst,  H»  R»  6/'  ^ 
fi  printed  throughout  upon  white  Italian  hand- 
madepaper ;  contains  SBVeN  0RI6INHL  COp 
peR  pLHCe  l]VIpRe88lO)sr8,  one  of  them 
a  signed  proof,  of  book-plates  by  Bertha  6orst, 
and  is  limited  to  ^50  copies  /?  Che  brochure  is 
uniform  in  style  of  type  and  paper  with  Che  6x 
Libran  but  is  large  -^to»,  in  size  ^ 
^  price -$1.50  fi 
Kindly  address: 

Ty,  Hlfred  fowler, 

3  Sast  Hrmour  Boulevard, 

Kansas  City,  JVIissouri,  U*  6*  H* 


Booh-platee 

Coat8-of-ann8^    Crcdte,  and  Lil>rai7  pUtcs, 
Designed  and  Gngrawd 

George   ffLoovc, 

67  Seals  Stfcct, 
Brooktine,    JMaseachudetts* 


THERE  will  be  issued,  in  the  next  few  months,  a  book 
entitled  LINCOLNIANA  BOOK-PLATES.  It  wiU 
have  an  especially  engfraved  title-page,  ordinal  plate  im- 
pressions in  illustration,  and  text  by  authorities  on  **Lin- 
colniana^';  limited  to  500  copies  on  hand-made  paper.  C. 
The  work  should  prove  of  quite  as  much  interest  to  col- 
lectors of  Lincolniana  as  to  collectors  of  book-plates.  De- 
tailed information  concerning  the  book  may  be  had,  when 
ready,  from:  H*  Alfred  Fowler,  3  East  Armour  Boule- 
vard, Kansas  Qty,  Missouri,  U.  S.  A. 


"Cbc  6x  Libran  Series  of 

Original  pbotograpbic  prints 

of  Booh-pUtes  b}?  Charles  tXtiUiam  8herbom»  R*  6. 

/^  6acb  print  is  a  photographic  print  of  a  negative  made  from 
an  original  plate  impression  of  the  booh-plate  /^  The  prints 
are  the  exa^t  size  of  the  originals  and  are  nicely  mounted,  un- 
iform in  size  ^  price:  25  cents  each,  or  $2.50  for  the  set  of  1 2 
/^  Che  prints  are  of  the  following  plates: 

I.  Tiftoria  Mary,  Queen  of  6ngland. 

XX.  Mary  Hdelaide,  Duchess  of  I^ech. 

XXX»  frances  f olsom  (Mrs.  6rover)  Cleveland* 

XT.  Burlington  fine  Hrts  Club,  London. 

T.  Society  of  Hntiquaries,  London. 

TX.  prince  f  rancis  of  Ceck. 

TXX.  8hahespeare*s  Birth-place  Library. 

TXXX.  Shakespeare  Memorial  Library,  Stratford-on-Hvon 

XX.  Duke  of  I^orthumberbnd. 

X.  {honourable  Society  of  Lincoln's  Xnn  London. 

XX.  ''ewendolen." 

XXX*  Davies-Colley  Colleftion,  Ouy's  I^ospital,  London. 

/^  dnmounted  prints  for  ''extra  illustration'^  may  be  had  at 
the  same  rate.  Kindly  address- 

Che  ex  Libran,  B.  Hlfred  fowler,  editor, 
3  east  Hrmour  Boulevard, 

Kansas  City,  Missouri,  U.  S.  H* 


The  Book-plate  Booklet 

^  H  few  eete  of  the  fourth  volume  of  Che 
Book-plate  Booklet  are  8till  available  at  the  original 
eubecrtption  price  -  $  1*25  ^  Kindly  address: 

R»  Hlfred  fowler, 
3  east  Hrmour  Boulevard,  Kansas  City,  Missouri,  d.  S.  H!. 


..       -  H  List  of  Subdcribcrs  to  T^bc  Gx  Ltbraiv  - 

desiring  Gxebangc  of  booh-platcs. 

HUcn,,  IMisa  Susan '3f^  255  6  Main  8t.,  Moorestown,  N.  % 
Baci*.,  Lylc  8.,  305  Bloomington  Street  North,  Streator,  lU- 
V  :  inois:  etched  and  engraved  plates  desired.  CoUeftor  — 
r.      fine  bindings,  etchings,  Of ^pancse  prints  and  porcelains. 
Baldwin.,  Mrs.  X  M.,  c/o  Rarris,  f  orbes  ^  Co.,  56  ^ZliUiani 

Street,  New  torh. 
Blackburn.,  Oscar  "C,  3525  parh  Hvenue,  Mitweapolis,  Minn. 
Bradshaw.,  Dr.  S.  6.,  421  dniversity  Ridge,  6reenville,  South 

Carolina:  plates  by  french,  Spenceley,  Sherbom  preferred. 
Brewer.,  Rev.  William  H.,  Burlingame,  California. 
Curtin.,  X>r.  Roland  6.,  22  South  18th  St.,  Philadelphia,  pa: 

Special  colle£^ion  of  ex  libris  of  medical  men. 
*0ngler.,  Hrthur,  58  mgh  St.,  «lest  Nutley,  N.  X:  CoUefting 

french,  Spenceley  and  others. 
fbwl^.j  R.  H.,  3  east  Hrmour  Blvd.,  Kansas  City,  Missouri 
free  Public  Library,  Newarh,  N.  X:  Hrmorial  and  other  booh- 
■■  plates  in  exchange. 
Greenwood.,  frederich,  1724  8tb  Hve,  Spokane,  Washington, 

Will  exchange  his  own  for  modern  plates. 
RalL,  6ilbert  edgerton,  fremont,  Ohio:  Ropson. 
Rays.,  William  R.  H.,  Wyandotte  Building,  Columbus,  Ohio. 
Lambert.,  Otto,  230  West  i3ist  St.,  New  torh»   exchanges 

his  Rolzschnitt  auf  hollandisch  Butten. 
Lion.,  Louis,  alte  Rabenstr^  26,  Ramburg,  Germany. 
Lombard.,  Rev.  Rerbert  e.,  Worcester,  Massachusetts. 
Macdonald^  Catharine  M*,  <oi  Steuben  St.,  east  Orange,  N*  X 
Milligan.,  MissB.,  **6lendower,**  Shaftsbury  Road,  Burwood, 

N*  S.  W.,  Hustralia:  Will  exchange  her  engraved  plate  by 

W.  p.  Barrett  for  plates  by  Messrs.  Sherbom,  frencb. 

Smith,  Spenceley,  eve,  and  Barrett. 


Murad,  Miss  eUinor,  Tilla  Max,  Mcran,  Hustria:  exchanges 

only  highly  artistical  original  booh-plates* 
popc^  H.  ^inthrop,  Newton,  Massachusetts:  Hlso  interested 

in  booh-plate  literature, 
prescott.,  ^inward,  p.  O.  Box  3066,  Boston,  Mass.,  ^ould 

lihe  offerings  of  any  boohs,  pamphlets,  or  magazine  and 

newspaper  articles  dealing  with  book-plates. 
Rath-Merrill.,  Mi*s.  Mary  6.  80  North  dinner  Hve,  Columbus, 

Ohio. 
Rossiter.,  Miss  Sdith  B.,  15  Olest  67th  St.,  New  tork  City. 
8aeng.,  Ludwig,  20  Kirchstrassc,  Darmstadt,  Germany:  Hrt- 

istic  book-plates  and  posters. 
Schroeter.,  F).  M.,  3700  Washington  Boule\>ard  cor  7th  Hve., 

Los  Hngeles,  California. 
Shcrwin.,  Miss  Clara  prentis,  8117  6uclid  Hvenue,  Clewland, 

Ohio. 
"Coedtebcrg.,  Miss  Gmma,  274  Tanderbilt  Hvenue,  Brooklyn, 

N*  t?  Interested  in  book-plates  of  **notables.'* 
"Cownley.,  C5.  R.,  5460  ^Qashington  Hve.,  Chicago,  Illinois. 
Zahn.,Xe.  1736   16th  Street,  Denver,  Colorado. 


UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA  LIBRARY 

Los  Angeles 

This  book  is  DUE  on  the  last  date  stamped  below. 


Form  L9-Serie8  4939 


A     000  899  676     1 


